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What's The 411 Correspondent, Chuck Whaley talking to legendary Martha Reeves on the red carpet at Motown The Musical Friends and Family Night

Martha Reeves on Red Carpet at Motown The Musical Friends and Family Night

WATCH VIDEO: Martha Reeves

 

What's The 411TV correspondent and Motown historian, Chuck Whaley, gives us a little bit of insight into the history of Motown when he interviews the legendary singer, Martha Reeves.

As Motown aficionados know, Martha Reeves was the lead singer of the legendary Martha Reeves and the Vandellas.

If you know anything about Motown, you know that one of the Vandellas hit singles that has lived on to this day is DANCING IN THE STREET. And, if you listen very closely, you can hear it playing in the background.

At the end of the interview, you can also hear Ms. Reeves give a shout out to Chuck's daughter, Crystal.

The exterior of the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on Broadway in New York City, home to Motown The Musical

Motown The Musical Friends and Family Night

VIDEO: MOTOWN THE MUSICAL FRIENDS AND FAMILY NIGHT

On a rather chilly Friday night in April, Broadway had a different sound of music, as Motown The Musical celebrated a pre-opening with a Friends and Family Night.

The red carpet was graced with the presence of Motown Royalty and of course, some hangers-on.

In the opening montage, you can catch a glimpse of the legends: Motown Founder, Berry Gordy; his daughter Hazel; Martha Reeves; the Original Vandellas; the First Lady of Motown, Claudette Robinson; the Velvelettes; Dennis Edwards of the mighty Temptations; Marvin Gaye III; and more!

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Claudette Robinson

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Martha Reeves (l) talking with What's The 411 correspondent, Chuck Whaley

 

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Dennis Edwards (l), one of the lead singers of The Temptations

 

 

 

 

America's Got Talent Audition Alert

America’s Got Talent Audition Alert

Popular talent television show will hold auditions in New York City

America's Got Talent will hold auditions today, November 16 and tomorrow, November 17, 2013, at an old Mercedes Benz dealership on the corner of 11th Avenue and West 41st Street in Manhattan.

The audition hours will be approximately 8 am to 7 pm. Those seeking auditions can come either day. However, the organizers expect wait times to be less on Sunday. This event is open to the public, and registering online is not required but is recommended because it should speed up the process.

For more information, check for updated notices on  America's Got Talent New York Auditions page.

AJ Calloway, former host of BET's 106th and Park, talking with What's The 411 reporter, Cristina Twitty at the Celebration of 40 Years of Hip-Hop in Central Park in New York City

AJ Calloway Witnesses Hip-Hop History at Central Park Summerstage

WATCH VIDEO: AJ Calloway Talking About Hip Hop

What’s The 411TV correspondent, Cristina Twitty, ran into AJ Calloway, former host of BET's 106th and Park at Central Park Summerstage’s 40 Years of Hip-Hop Celebration.

You know Cristina had to find out of all the hip-hop artists who were there to perform, which one did AJ come to see?

"Everybody that has been on that stage so far is a hip-hop legend and I came to see everybody, from Soul Sonic Force to Kool Herc to Big Daddy..., everybody," said AJ trying to be politically correct.

AJ also refused to pick a favorite album or a favorite artist.

"So what does it mean to be here at the 40th Anniversary of Hip-Hop Culture," asked Cristina.

"I owe everything to hip-hop, so I had to come here to tip my hat, stand to the side and watch my heroes on stage," AJ added.

"I actually enjoy that hip-hop more than the ... hip-hop now and I'd love to see hip-hop go back to its roots," he continued.

What do you think is missing from hip-hop now?

"Substance," replied AJ.

What's The 411TV correspondent Cristina Twitty chatting with hip-hop pioneer Grandmaster Caz at 40 Years of Hip-Hop Concert in Central Park, New York City

Grandmaster Caz Boasts His Hip-Hop Lineage

WATCH GRANDMASTER CAZ VIDEO

Grandmaster Caz, a pioneering hip-hop MC and DJ, proudly took credit for spawning Rakim and Big Daddy Kane and by extension all the Jay-Zs (rappers who came later and benefited by the pioneers).

When asked by Cristina who he came to see perform and touch the stage, Caz responded, "Of course the god Rakim and my son, Big Daddy Kane. Alright, those are my direct influences, (my influences) go to straight to them, you know what I mean. They are the people who eventually led to the Jay-Zs and when you follow the rap lineages, it all traces back to me."

Bishop T.D. Jakes and his wife, Serita chatting on the red carpet at Black Nativity New York Premiere

Bishop TD Jakes Says BLACK NATIVITY Great for Whole Family

Bishop T.D. Jakes, and his wife, Serita on the red carpet at the BLACK NATIVITY New York Premiere at the Apollo Theater in New York City

Bishop Jakes Discusses the Significance of BLACK NATIVITY

The couple has produced several movies, so is there a difference between BLACK NATIVITY and the others.

"Huge difference," said Bishop Jakes. "When you consider Jumping the Broom, and Sparkle, Woman Thou Art Loosed and some of the things we have done, none of our movies have ever been alike and this is true to form. We've never done a musical before; we've never done a movie that really focuses on the family of a pastor before, ironically. And, so this is an opportunity for us to do something that shows the humanity of the pastor and the struggle of the family, in general, in a way that I think that people can come out and find out hey my family doesn't have to be perfect to be able to enjoy this film and maybe I can use something to get back together again and hook it up between the people I love."

So what made Bishop Jakes get on board to be an executive producer of BLACK NATIVITY?

"Well, first of all, it's a pastor's family why would I not jump on board with that? And then it's a great opportunity from the standpoint of the tremendous cast that we have and I love to do things that you can bring the whole family to and not have to cover up the kids' eyes. And, I think during the holidays when so many people wrestle with depression to do something that's uplifting and rejuvenating that doesn't show this picture perfect family and make people feel like if you don't have it all together you can't enjoy the holidays, it's a great way to reach that audience."

BLACK NATIVITY is a holiday musical drama, so what is Bishop Jakes' favorite Christmas song?

"Well, Silent Night is an all-time favorite, you can't really have Christmas without it," he replied. "And, for me personally, Come O Ye Faithful is a great song. In the movie though, the song, Be Grateful is absolutely amazing. It's incredible. Jennifer Hudson rocks it."

Upcoming Projects from Bishop Jakes
So what upcoming projects does Bishop Jakes have that we should be on the lookout for?

Bishop Jakes always has something going on. However, he has a book coming out in Spring 2014 called, INSTINCT. It will hopefully show people that if you listen to your instincts you can perhaps tie into your Divine purpose and be far more effective in business, in your career, and in your personal life, basically, the book INSTINCT will teach people about the power of instincts.

Go see BLACK NATIVITY, it's for the whole family and especially for young people to see themselves on screen.

BLACK NATIVITY also stars: Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker, Tyrese Gibson, Jacob Latimore, Mary J. Blige, Nasir Jones aka Nas, Jennifer Hudson, Gale Gibson, Luke James.

DJ Prince Hakim working the turntables

DJ Prince Hakim is Working His Way to Inherit the Throne with Royalty [VIDEO]

VIDEO DISCUSSION: DJ Prince Hakim releases Royalty featuring R&B/pop singer Walt Anderson

What's The 411 co-hosts, award-winning journalist, Kizzy Cox, and comedian Onika McLean are chopping it up with DJ Prince Hakim, son of Robert “Kool” Bell, the founder of the legendary Kool and the Gang, about his new record, Royalty.

During the interview, DJ Prince Hakim takes us on his career journey from DJing to producing and back to DJing and producing.

He shares with us why he produced Royalty and his previous record, Mannequin Girl.

DJ Prince Hakim also shares with us why the Bonnaroo music festival is his all-time favorite DJ gig.

The infectious upbeat single, Royalty, will be featured on DJ Prince Hakim’s upcoming EP, Healing Love, set to be released in November.

Hip-hop lyricist, Kyle Knight, talks about his new EP, The Truth

Kyle Knight Speaks The Truth

WATCH VIDEO: Hip-hop lyricist, Kyle Knight, makes a second visit to the set of What's The 411 to talk about, The Truth

Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) standing on the front porch of a house, while Mike Myers (Nick Castle) is behind her in the doorway holding a knife

Halloween. It’s been worth the wait. [MOVIE REVIEW]

It’s been 40 years since the Halloween film series first began. And it’s been nine years since the last iteration. In this version, Michael Myers (Nick Castle) continues his four-decade quest to kill his nemesis, Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis). But she’s ready for what she views as his inevitable return, living in a fortified cabin with an assortment of weapons at her disposal. One night when Michael’s transported from his asylum, he escapes. Of course, it also happens to be Halloween. He terrorizes the local town in search of his target, Laurie.

I have said many times before I am not a fan of the horror film genre. But I am not tricking you; Halloween is a treat!

The movie starts by laying the foundation for those who may not be familiar with Laurie’s and Michael’s history. That takes a while and you might find yourself thinking: Get on with the carnage! When it starts, Michael proves to be as bloody a murderer as you’ll see. The eerie Halloween theme music enhances those scenes.

Also, this story throws out the old rules as to who’s a victim and who is not. This is a well-written script and Jamie Lee Curtis is outstanding in the lead non-killer role. She has an intensity which adds credibility to this implausible movie type.

Halloween features the usual horror film unreasonable responses, rather than run, characters have to investigate. Then other times when they should investigate, like when a loved one is screaming, they stand looking puzzled.

Then there’s Michael Myers. Who is supposed to be a human being. After 40 years, Laurie is the grandmother of a teenage granddaughter. But all of those years’ incarcerated hasn’t aged him a bit. Also, in these films being crazy also makes villains stronger than other people. Michael must have been hitting the gym and lifting weights to maintain his strength because all these years later, he’s still able to overpower victims regardless of age or size.

Halloween gets a “B” for cast diversity. Small town America. There are African-Americans in supporting roles and in background scenes. But no other people of color.

Halloween is rated “R” for horror violence and bloody images, language, brief drug use and nudity, and is 110 minutes in length. At a production cost of $10 million, which is a bargain for feature filmmaking, Halloween is bound to be a box office success. It’s a See It!

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