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RZA Wu Wednesdays 2023
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Exclusive: RZA Expressed Why He Wanted to Start His Radio Show, Wu-Wednesdays

by Julian Cannon
written by Julian Cannon

In a groundbreaking move, RZA, the visionary force behind the iconic Wu-Tang Clan, is poised to captivate audiences with his latest venture—Wu-Wednesdays, a dynamic radio show set to debut on LL COOL J’s esteemed Rock The Bells Radio on SiriusXM, broadcasting on Channel 43. This innovative platform promises a sonic journey through the rich tapestry of Wu-Tang Clan’s storied legacy, showcasing classic tracks that have left an indelible mark on the genre.

 However, Wu-Wednesdays goes beyond the realm of nostalgia, offering an immersive experience with exclusive DJ mixes, unreleased musical gems, and engaging interviews with special guests. RZA, known for his groundbreaking contributions to the hip-hop landscape, invites listeners to join him on a weekly exploration of the past, present, and future of the Wu-Tang legacy, making Wednesday nights a must-listen for hip-hop enthusiasts and music connoisseurs alike.

We recently caught up with RZA. Embarking on a project he has long harbored a desire for, RZA expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming launch of “Wu-Wednesdays” on LL COOL J’s Rock The Bells Radio. Reflecting on the journey, he revealed, “Well, it’s just something I’ve been wanting to do for years. It’s funny because maybe five years ago I was going to do it with the BBC, and then I was going to do it right in New York with Hot 97,” he said. In essence, RZA sees Rock The Bells Radio as the ideal platform to bring “Wu-Wednesdays” to life, aligning seamlessly with the station’s significance in the hip-hop landscape.

RZA acknowledged, “It’s something that I probably had in my creative wheelhouse and never really got a chance to fully explore. And now I do have the chance, and I’m looking forward to exploring it.” RZA has always wanted to do radio, so this radio venture represents the fulfillment of a creative aspiration he had for years.

RZA also highlighted the importance of staying authentic to different demographics as Wu Tang Clan’s music is geared towards Gen X, older and younger Millennials while also Gen Z, who is discovering it for the first time. The optimal approach is to retain your talent and music within your creative arsenal. Wu-Tang Clan, in particular, has carved out a distinctive subgenre within hip-hop, evident in their expansive catalog that could arguably require the collaboration of a substantial portion of the hip-hop community to match. It’s extensive catalog serves as a perpetual source of discovery, marking a rite of passage for generations—from Wu-Tang’s inception to the present day. Countless enthusiasts have attested that their initiation into the realm of hip-hop stemmed from the transformative experience of engaging with Wu-Tang’s seminal works like “36 Chambers” or other projects within the Wu-Tang Clan.

“I think that Wu-Tang, especially in our first 5 to 7 albums, are capturing the youth energy of the world, especially of America, of our community, but of the world because you get nine points of view of young energy. And I think when somebody hears it, that is something that relates to them. A kid could be 14 years old and he’s ready to bring the ruckus. A kid could be 19 about to go to college and think about his parents and growing up saying why life can be all so simple. Or a kid could be exploring life and getting into the job market and realize cash can rule around him,” he said.

Also during our discussion about the intricacies of musical production, RZA delves into the episode of sampling on “Wu-Tang: American Saga,” shedding light on the artistry and innovation that defined the group’s distinctive sound. With a narrative that intertwines personal anecdotes and creative processes, RZA offers a unique glimpse into the transformative role of sampling in shaping the Wu-Tang Clan’s iconic tracks.

“That was the intention of that when we sat down and we decided how we wanted to explain it,” said RZA. “We thought about other movies that did great music documentaries, whether it was Rocketman or whether it was, you know, James Brown or all these biopics. Everybody has a way of going into showing the creation of music. But for hip hop, it’s a different formula, a different process. And we said the only way to do it is to actually see if we could go into the mind of the producer and explain what he’s doing. And as I explained it in the writers room, we were able to put it in writing and we had Mario Van Peebles, a very intelligent director. He was able to then take that and translate it into the episode that we saw, which I think is good enough to be shown in classes. I think it’s like an educational tool. You could take that now and use it as a reference to understand the process of hip hop creativity and production.”

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raising kanan season 4
EntertainmentTV

Starz Renews Power Book III: Raising Kanan for its Fourth Season

by Julian Cannon
written by Julian Cannon
 STARZ has officially announced the commencement of production for the fourth season of its esteemed family crime drama, “Power Book III: Raising Kanan.”
This milestone comes ahead of the highly anticipated premiere of its third season on December 1. Production is scheduled to commence this week in New York.

Kathryn Busby, President of Original Programming for STARZ, expressed enthusiasm about continuing Kanan Stark’s narrative. She anticipates that viewers, following the intense events unfolding in the third season, will demand more insights into Kanan’s character, exploring how his formative years shape the cold-hearted villain introduced in the original ‘Power’ series. Notably, “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” is the first Power spinoff to reach its fourth season, highlighting its enduring success. The fourth season is slated for debut in 2024.

They set season three to debut on December 1, with subsequent episodes released weekly on Fridays at midnight ET on the STARZ app and all STARZ streaming and on-demand platforms. The linear premiere is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on STARZ in the U.S. and 9:00 pm ET in Canada.

Set against the backdrop of the early 1990s, the series explores the origin story of the beloved character, Kanan Stark, as he enters the criminal world under the ruthless leadership of his mother, Raquel “Raq” Thomas. The cast includes MeKai Curtis as Kanan, Tony® Award winner Patina Miller as Raq, Omar Epps as Detective Malcolm Howard, and a stellar ensemble portraying other key characters.

Sascha Penn will resume his role as the showrunner and executive producer for the upcoming fourth season. The “Power” Universe series continues to be executive produced by Courtney A. Kemp, creator and showrunner of the original “Power,” Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, and Mark Canton. Additional executive producers include Chris Selak and Kevin Fox. The series is produced by Lionsgate Television for STARZ.

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Power Book III Raising Kanan 3x01
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Power Book III: Raising Kanan Season 3, Episode 1 Preview

by Julian Cannon
written by Julian Cannon

Power Book III: Raising Kanan is gearing up for an eagerly awaited return on December 1st, marking the arrival of its highly anticipated third season. The stakes are set high, especially after the intense season two finale, where Unique’s unexpected intervention during Sal’s multi-group assault left fans on the edge of their seats. As the premiere date approaches, viewers are eager to witness the repercussions unfold for pivotal characters like Kanan, Raquel, Howard, and Unique.

Having had the exclusive opportunity to preview the first three episodes of Raising Kanan’s third season, this non-spoiler preview aims to shed light on what audiences can anticipate in the Season 3 premiere. One notable highlight is the deeper exploration of Unique’s character as his family takes center stage, providing additional layers to his enigmatic persona. Joey Bada$$ is garnering praise for his portrayal, infusing Unique’s character with a more human and nuanced dimension.

The episode delves into Kanan’s evolving sense of distrust towards Raquel, stemming from past events, as he embarks on a quest to uncover the truth about her. Alongside this central narrative, there is an intriguing subplot involving Kanan and Famous, who harbor aspirations of entering the world of illegal business. Simultaneously, law enforcement becomes more vigilant in response to the escalating drug trade, a direct consequence of the Season 2 finale’s bloodbath.

Jukebox’s storyline takes a poignant turn as she grapples with the aftermath of her mother’s death from the Season 2 finale. This sets the emotional tone for her character arc throughout the season, with an anticipated heart-rending scene between Jukebox and Raquel promising to add significant depth to the storyline.

Viewers are advised to brace themselves for two unexpected scenes—one featuring an unforeseen plot twist and another described as a jaw-dropping moment that will leave them questioning the reality of the events.

The first episode of Raising Kanan’s third season sets the tone with a grounded and grittier atmosphere. The characters, navigating through unforeseen situations, promise heightened suspense and drama. The commendable direction of the episode not only captures attention but also sets the stage for a season filled with unforeseen twists and turns, elevating the overall viewing experience for fans of the Power series.

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Fear TWD series finale
EntertainmentTV

Fear The Walking Dead Series Finale Review: A Fan Service Overload

by Julian Cannon
written by Julian Cannon

When Fear The Walking Dead debuted in 2015, it had a different premise and expanded on the idea of showcasing how the zombie outbreak happened on the west side of the United States. Characters such as Madison, Alicia, Troy, and Strand became household names as Fear gave us interesting stories from them.

Seasons 1 to 3 are regarded as the best seasons of Fear as the quality was compared to the main show. Season 4 onwards, with the exception of season 6, has been met with average to low quality reception as the show deteriorated from what it once was.

This week marks the end of Fear The Walking Dead and I wish I could say that there was anything that I liked outside of Alicia and Madison’s reunion. That is because the same tropes of this whole season kept coming back to bite me. Everyone was just out of character with these big long speeches, walkie talkies, a bad script that should have been flushed down the toilet, and non-essential plot twists that made no sense whatsoever.

I’ve noticed that the recent story progression in the last two episodes of the show, up to the reunion, bears a striking resemblance to The Walking Dead’s final episode from last year. A side-by-side comparison reveals undeniable similarities. I’m puzzled as to why Troy was brought back only to be killed off four episodes later, especially considering he never posed a convincing and credible threat throughout his entire time on screen.

Alicia’s cult storyline continues to be a source of frustration for me and I am glad that it is over. The portrayal of these kids, who talk and act like full-grown adults, feels unrealistic and detracts from the narrative.The ongoing conversation about PADRE appears dull and inconsequential, lacking a clear purpose. Tracy’s revelation that Alicia is her mom sparks timeline questions, especially considering Alicia’s near-death experience from radiation seven years ago. However, the plot twist reveals that Tracy is not actually Alicia’s mom. Huh, talk about a stupid fucking turn of events!

It appears that the showrunners introduced fan service moments to distract from the issues of pacing and writing for the series finale of Fear The Walking Dead. Despite these concerns, the reunion was well-executed and perhaps the most natural one this season.

When I think about Fear The Walking Dead, all I can see is the wasted potential it had. Unlike (to an extent) World Beyond, Dead City, Daryl Dixon, and even Tales, Fear’s writing has been all over the place since season 3. It’s too obsessed with throwing in easter eggs and reminding us of the good old days instead of telling a solid story.

The ending felt like a letdown, and it seems like they did it just to get people hyped for ANOTHER potential spinoff with the leftover Clark family members. It’s a bit of a mess, to be honest and this show and the actors and staff deserve way better than what they, and the fans got.

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Reva is a better character than Shin Hati

by Richard Schertzer
written by Richard Schertzer

For some reason beyond me, the character Reva seems to get some unnecessary hate during her screen time on the series Obi-Wan Kenobi while Shin Hati gets praised by fans for some reason. 

The Ahsoka series was praised highly by fans while Obi-Wan Kenobi received more of a mixed response from fans, with the audiences claiming that the latter was more woke and unnecessary in the lore of Star Wars. As a result, the character Reva was derided and Shin Hati was more beloved by fans. I’m here to explain why the Star Wars fans are, once again, wrong in their assessment of these characters. 

 

Reva’s arch is more drawn out

Reva’s arch stretches out all the way from Revenge of the Sith, as she was one of the younglings in the Jedi Temple when Darth Vader came waltzing in with an army of clones murdering almost everyone in their path. This history cements her arch broader into the lore of the series and gives her a proper motivation as to why she joined the darker side of the force. 

With all of that being said, her trauma is detailed and her anger seems more justified and why she joined forces with the Grand Inquisitor. 

 

Reva is a more passionate character

Reva is a much more passionate character in the miniseries than Hati and while both women want the approval of their superiors, Hati seems more shallow in her attempts at trying to earn that respect and her motivations seem a lot weaker than Reva’s. 

Hati seems like a very hollow character in the Star Wars universe as she is living in the shadow of another villain by the name of Baylan Skoll, who is a character that nobody really cares about in the universe. Reva lives in the shadow of Darth Vader which is more than enough to raise a few eyebrows as she is working for a villain who is already well-known in the universe.

To be fair, I don’t even remember any memorable moments from Hati either. 

 

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Five Reasons ‘The Marvels’ Needs Your Attention Now

by Ishan Wankavala
written by Ishan Wankavala

With the release of The Marvels, the MCU’s next major film, many have been wondering if this one is as good as previous films, if it is essential to understanding Phase 4, and if it should be watched now or later on Disney+. These questions always arise with every new Marvel release, but I can say with enthusiasm that audiences must understand how great The Marvels is as a film, and how it should not be skipped at all this season.

Guests attend the Urban Hydration + Marvel private screening of “The Marvels” at AMC 42 in New York, New York, on Nov. 9, 2023. (Photo by Gabriele Holtermann/Sipa USA)

Below are five reasons you should watch The Marvels as soon as possible, or you’re missing out.

The Marvels features the return of fan-favorite characters and actors

One of the first noticeable draws to watching a major blockbuster film like The Marvels is its use of a stellar cast, some of which are favorites among Marvel fans. Fans have been clamoring for a return for Iman Vellani, and the character she plays, Ms. Marvel, from her hit Disney+ show of the same name. This is the first time we see her working alongside her idol, Captain Marvel, played by Brie Larson, who we have not seen since Avengers: Endgame, all the way in 2019. Also returning are Teyonah Parris, playing Monica Rambeau, and Samuel L. Jackson, playing his iconic role as Nick Fury. Fans of any of these characters will definitely be pleased, as they are further fleshed out and given new situations they must deal with.

(L-R) Lellies Santiago and Psyche Terry attend the Urban Hydration + Marvel private screening of “The Marvels” at AMC 42 in New York, New York, on Nov. 9, 2023. (Photo by Gabriele Holtermann/Sipa USA)

The Marvels makes use of astounding CGI

The film also features amazing action and setpieces that is at times beautiful and a sight to behold. The lush alien landscapes and cosmic battles depicted are crisp, colorful, and grandiose, while still maintaining a level of realism that makes everything look believable. A highlight is the new mechanic that the three titular characters must face, which is that their locations in space are exchanged every time they use their powers. This creates some intense fight scenes that involve them constantly switching places and resulting in frantic, interesting combat that is a pleasure to watch.

Psyche Terry attends the Urban Hydration + Marvel private screening of “The Marvels” at AMC 42 in New York, New York, on Nov. 9, 2023. (Photo by Gabriele Holtermann/Sipa USA)

The Marvels tells a compelling and heartfelt story

While there certainly are entertaining visual elements to the film, it should also be noted that the story is particularly intriguing and downright emotional at times. In the film, Captain Marvel struggles with the repercussions of her actions, as she has attempted to use her powers for good, but in doing so, she inadvertently deprived a planet of critical resources. In this film, she must face the consequences of her decisions, and how this affects her relationship with those that look up to her. There were several moments that were almost tear inducing, and those that enjoy a layered and complex plot will find plenty to love here.

The Marvels is funny as hell

I’ll say it: this movie is absolutely hilarious. For all its deeper and slower moments, it has situations that are side-splittingly funny. The movie seamlessly transitions between serious and comical moments, and one of its strong suits is being able to do so in a way that feels natural and not forced, even with high stakes.

D’Andre McKenzie attends the Urban Hydration + Marvel private screening of “The Marvels” at AMC 42 in New York, New York, on Nov. 9, 2023. (Photo by Gabriele Holtermann/Sipa USA)

A particular moment that comes to mind is a sequence at a planet where all the inhabitants only speak in song and dance, which leads the main characters to fall into some hilarious situations as they attempt to communicate with these individuals. The movie is filled with moments like these that are extremely memorable.

The Marvels contributes to the overarching story in Phase 4

Lastly, those that want to see some progression with the overall Marvel story in Phase 4 will also be pleased. This film shows some continuation of Nick Fury’s character from Secret Invasion, with a possible setup for a future Avengers film, and also continues this phase’s themes of multiverse and the threats that follow. The after credit scenes show how several old and new characters will make an appearance in future movies, progressing this phase forward.

As can be seen, there are a multitude of reasons to watch The Marvels, and longtime fans of Marvel as well as newcomers will both be pleased. This film has something for everyone, for those that follow the lore extensively to those that are not as serious. Definitely catch this film soon, you will not be disappointed.

Ronnisha Peterson attends the Urban Hydration + Marvel private screening of “The Marvels” at AMC 42 in New York, New York, on Nov. 9, 2023. (Photo by Gabriele Holtermann/Sipa USA)

Special thanks also goes out to Urban Hydration, the sponsor of the premiere event that I attended. I tried several of their moisturizing products, and I could see the difference instantly. For someone that suffers from dry skin in the colder months, something like this is an absolute life saver. Urban Hydration’s message itself spoke to me as well. I recognized the connection between the ideas of hydration, balance, and finding power within oneself that Marvel’s superheroes embody, while also having fun. The Algae collection specifically is a testament to Urban Hydration’s commitment to providing effective skincare solutions. It’s designed to cater to various skin needs, emphasizing the importance of self-care and achieving a natural, healthy glow, and I couldn’t be more happy to promote this product: such a business that is proudly woman-owned and that supports woman empowerment is exactly what needs to be brought to light to give their mission a voice.

Founder Psyche Terry shared:

I believe that working with Marvel Studios provides an exciting platform for my to share the story of Urban Hydration’s mission and products in fun and creative ways.  I recognized the connection between the message of hydration, balance, and finding power within oneself that Marvel’s Super Heroes embody. The collaboration further expands on our Urban Hydration mission to reach more people, inspiring them to take charge of their skin needs and help power up their glow.  The connection between hydration, balance, and inner strength that Marvel’s Super Heroes embody resonates with Urban Hydration’s mission. This collaboration is about product promotion and sharing a powerful message of self-care and empowerment.  The Algae collection is a testament to Urban Hydration’s commitment to providing effective skincare solutions. It’s designed to cater to various skin needs, emphasizing the importance of self-care and achieving a natural, healthy glow and I couldn’t be more happy to bring this partnership to everyone.

The Marvels is in theaters right now, and Urban Hydration products can be purchased online from their website.

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A Festive Holiday Mixer Unwraps Season 2 of ‘The Santa Clauses’ at Century City Mall

by Ashley Lopez
written by Ashley Lopez

The enchanting spirit of the holiday season came to life at Century City Mall on December 8 as Disney hosted a dazzling outdoor mixer to celebrate the launch of  ‘The Santa Clauses’ Season 2 on Disney+. The event not only brought together fans of the heartwarming show but also invited guests to partake in a magical evening filled with festive attire, Toys for Tots donations, and the chance to delve into an early Christmas Spirit with a special appearance of  Santas’s elves.

As the night began, the outdoor setting at Century City Mall provided the perfect backdrop for a winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, seasonal decorations, and a touch of Disney magic. The dress code for the evening was nothing short of enchanting, as attendees gazed through the North Pole in their most festive attire to match the holiday cheer that filled the air.

Throughout the evening, guests had the chance to mingle with fellow Disney enthusiasts, snap photos with festive photo opportunities, and enjoy holiday-themed refreshments. The atmosphere was infectious, and the sense of community and shared joy created memories that made the start of the holiday season memorable.

The winter enchantment continued with complimentary ice skating, turning the outdoor space into a frosty playground for guests of all ages.

The highlight of the evening came alive as Santa’s elves took to the ice, transforming the rink into a spectacle of joyous celebration. The elves enchanted the audience with their expertly choreographed ice-skating routines to the soundtrack of  ‘The Santa Clauses’ Season 2.  The crowd in attendance and mall shoppers couldn’t help but bring all focus to such a captivating performance creating a joyous atmosphere that resonated with the heartwarming essence of ‘The Santa Clauses.’

Following the mesmerizing elf ice skating performance, Disney treated attendees to the ultimate gift – a sneak peek into a series of clips from the new season of ‘The Santa Clauses’ Season 2. The crowd eagerly gathered to witness a preview that would unfold the magic of the upcoming season.

The Disney Holiday Mixer for ‘The Santa Clauses’ Season 2 Premiere became a joyous celebration in honor of the much anticipated new season to premire November 8. The night came to an end, but the magic of Disney and the warmth of the holiday season will undoubtedly endure in the hearts of all who attended.

Check out the reel here! 

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