On September 17, 1967, in the crime-ridden and drug-infested ghettoes of the Bronx and Harlem, a gift from God was delivered: Malik Yoba. No silver spoon, white picket fence, house on the hills, or any type of relief during his early years of childhood—the streets of NYC in the 60s and 70s were vicious, and only the strong survived. By the age of fifteen, he had cheated death when a bullet was lodged in his neck. The bullet was removed, and Malik Yoba’s journey was just getting started.
Labeled as a “misunderstood child” during his early years, he possessed unusual compassion for inner-city youths and categorized many as the victims of widely held racial and social misperceptions. Malik Yoba engulfed himself in volunteering, mentoring, and inspiring the lives of the future leaders of tomorrow. Most people are totally unaware that Malik Yoba taught inner-city youths in the areas of acting and music.
Before he launched his illustrious career in Hollywood, the seeds of his success were already being planted within the youths of NYC.
In 1991, Malik Yoba auditioned for the blockbuster comedy movie Cool Runnings. Yoba’s role as a feisty and hot-tempered member of the Jamaican bobsled team was significant and necessary for the chemistry of the film. Movie critics were not convinced and panned the movie as merely average. However, audiences disagreed, and Cool Runnings soared in theaters, exceeding 68 million dollars. Malik’s flight of success took off and never came back down.
Soon, he landed the coveted role of J.C. Williams on the runaway FOX TV series “New York Undercover.” Playing alongside Michael de Lorenzo (as Eddie Torres), the show enabled viewers to see Harlem, crime, NYPD, rap music, and the entire City of New York from a whole different perspective. New York Undercover is one of the most successful TV shows in FOX TV history. The most important factor is its impact on pop and hip-hop culture. Celebrities worldwide craved to be a part of the show.
Everyone from Tyra Banks to Taye Diggs appeared on the show, and fame followed everyone. The show was the perfect balance between real-life issues and Hollywood drama. Viewers connected emotionally with each character, and public reaction was overwhelming. The essence of J.C. Williams was the talk of every local barbershop, beauty salon, and family BBQ everywhere. Malik Yoba and Michael de Lorenzo were the best duos in Hollywood since Earvin “Magic” Johnson and James Worthy. FOX and Malik Yoba were the new sensation on television, and the rose was growing through the concrete jungle. New York Undercover lasted four seasons and wrapped in late June 1998.
At around the same time, Yoba returned to activism with full force, helming a series of interactive lectures for troubled urban youth called “Why Are You on This Planet?” The program combined exercises in reading, writing, art, music, and visualization to teach children self-empowerment and the wisdom of solid decision-making. “Why Are You on This Planet?” qualified as an instant, triumphant success and continued seemingly without end; in the meantime, Yoba perpetuated his dramatic efforts as well, with contributions to innumerable motion pictures. In addition, he gave a pair of small, impressive performances in two very different 1997 indie dramas—first as Detective Carson in James Mangold’s all-star New Jersey policier Cop Land (1997), then as a studio engineer in George Tillman Jr.’s ensemble comedy-drama Soul Food, alongside Vivica A. Fox and Vanessa L. Williams.
From 2011 to 2012, Yoba appeared as former FBI Special Agent Bill Harken on “Alphas,” a science fiction drama series about a team of people with special abilities who belong to a secret department attached to the DOD. In 2013, Yoba joined the cast of “Revolution” as Jim Hudson, a former captain of the Monroe Republic. In 2015, Malik Yoba made history alongside FOX once more as he was cast as Vernon Turner, Lucious Lyon’s business partner and chairman of Empire Entertainment in “Empire.”
Yoba’s role is dynamic, challenging, inspiring, dark, and vintage Hollywood showmanship. Being the unsung hero of the Lucious Lyon Empire is a very intricate role and the perfect balance between obedience and power. When you watch Malik Yoba on the screen, you can hear, see, and feel his journey in every scene. Malik brings you directly into the moment, and he always leaves his audience wanting more. When you think of the impact of Malik Yoba not just in Hollywood but on the inner-city youths of NYC, the reflection of his power shines brightest.
This article was penned by Jonathan P. Wright. Jonathan is a freelance writer for multiple mainstream publications and CVO of RADIOPUSHERS. You can read more of his work by clicking here.
The Walt Disney Company is launching a brand new platform that will offer opportunities to creators of color and other creatives that have been underrepresented in the entertainment industry.
Disney’s new brand Onyx Collective will be lead by Tara Duncan, president of Freeform. Onyx Collective will showcase works from underrepresented creators primarily on Hulu, but other Disney platforms may be used to host certain projects.
Duncan released a statement stating that Onyx Collective is building a home for creators of color to feel empowered, inspired, and have access to audiences throughout the world. Chairman of entertainment at Disney Dan Walden also released a statement regarding Onyx Collective where she said that the entertainment industry is immensely enriched by the contributions of talented emerging creators of color, and Onyx Collective allows Disney the best opportunity to partner with these creators. Walden also offered her praise to Duncan saying that Tara is extremely talented and possesses fantastic instincts.
The first project that will reportedly debut on the platform is the feature documentary summer of soul. This film tells the story of the Harlem Cultural Festival in 1959, often referred to as the Black Woodstock. The film will be available to stream July, 2nd on Hulu.The second project is produced by Oprah Winfrey and Lionsgate. Titled the 1619 Project, this docuseries is based on material from the New York Times as well as Nikole Hannah-Jones’s work. Disney continues to innovate and expand in 2021.
This article was penned by Jonathan P. Wright. Jonathan is a freelance writer for multiple mainstream publications and CVO of RADIOPUSHERS. You can read more of his work by clicking here.
Rarely does an artist get to highlight his or her success on the business side of the industry, as we often only look at them for the art. Jerome Romeo Clanton also known as Rome Ya’FavoriteRapper has not only displayed his entrepreneurial success but host a show where he allows others to display theirs. Artist, politicians, authors, street legends and more have and will continue to advance their stories with RomeYaFavoriteRapper on “Entrepreneur Talk”.
Rome Ya’FavoriteRapper has a unique edge on the game, on top of his already unmatched work ethic Rome has an ability to attract big names not only to his music but to his show “Entrepreneur Talk”. He has interviewed big names like Tracy Lee a legendary MC, Freeway Rick Ross a legendary Entreprenuer, Bandit The Rapper, K Walker super star battle rapper and artist, Dapper Dan a fashion icon, Cassidy and more. Giving us the history, motivation and sometimes even the blue print to how to build your brand, company or name.
Being InTouch with people across all industries, Jewelers, Politicians, bloggers, A&r’s, super producers and even up and coming individuals who are looking to put their brand amongst the elite. RomeYaFavoriteRapper has over 100k views on his show and quickly climbing. Rome being able to maintain solid conversations, bring out stories that have never been told before and really stays in touch with the now. Rome being an artist first has a solid understanding of how to entertain and educate at the same time which keeps all of his productions in high regards. Personality is everything in todays social media camera happy world and RomeYafavoriteRapper is definitely a top personality in the city of Philadelpia.
Shooting music videos, exec for Island Def Jam, rapper song writer engineer, award winning actor, photographer and father are a list of a few of the jobs RomeYaFavoriteRapper actively maintains and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Being an on road production team for many celebrities has given Rome the hands on experience to take on any job or task in this entertainment world.
Danny the Jewler Philadelphia Pa
Pop Traxx HDE Studios
Rican Bull From Say Cheese
Philly Freeway
Years later after touring, acting in movies winning awards, interviewing stars, releasing albums and music videos, performing, traveling, hard work dedication ambition and a attitude for success Rome is finally in a lane of his own and ready to attack the industry. Taking a passion and dream to a business and taking his music career to another level every day. This is what they been missing Rome Ya’FavoriteRapper is someone special and underrated by far but worth a sacrifice for any label or company. For more visit https://romeyafavoriterapper.com/
After dropping a heavy record with Method Man, D.Chamberz follows up with a record with Benny The Butcher, “Flights In The Mornin”. D.Chamberz is not only an artist but a young mogul on the rise. Chamberz has a radio station, production studio, an office and event space for those looking to be apart of the entertainment industry. Gaining the respect of the industry and the streets D.Chamberz will definitely be a name to be on the look out for. Shouting out Dj Drewski, and the other DJ’s that have been showing love to D.Chamberz on radio. D.Chamberz the “Z” cause they sleeping on him is the slogan heqoutes often and its true. Chamberz has a Check out his a solid catalog and enough visuals to lock you in for a few movies. Visual shot by StarrMazi below, D.Chamberz will also be featuring on a “Wilde Tuna Exclusive” very soon.
D.CHAMBERZ is a Coney Island, Brooklyn native, Hip-Hop artist, and founder of Warrior Mentality Music Group. Making his name on the New York hip-hop scene for the past decade, what started in Coney Island as a small following, has exploded onto the national market. His most recent hit, “I‘m French Tho” made an appearance on the National Hip-Hop charts, and garnered over one million views while featured on WorldStarHipHop.com. Don’t get him wrong either, this guy is a mogul in the making. He recently has built an even larger fan-base through his underground empire – Warrior Mentality Music Group – encompassing concert series (Trappers Only Concert, and sound of NY Concert), a weekly radio show (No Time 4 The Small Talk), a movie production (B4 The Battle), a clothing line (WM Apparel), as well as a consulting branch.
Between his constant presence at any important New York social spot, his records being spun regularly at the area’s clubs and radio stations, combined with his relentlessness, he is truly a force to be reckoned with. His earlier singles made waves on the radio and internet, including “On My 1, 2” featuring Fred the Godson, “For My Homies” featuring Chinx, “Shake The Block” with Uncle Murda, and “A.O.M.N. (Remix)” with Manolo Rose. His more recent songs feature prominent up-and-comers like Benny The Butcher & Jaquae.
He’s performed as part of Hot 97’s Summer Jam Festival Stage, at SXSW (AllHipHop, DigiWaxx, Amalgam & more), Hot 97’s DJ Magic Car Show, and joined The Unexpected Victory Tour at the legendary BB Kings in Times Square. He has also performed alongside Ghostface, Raekwon, Maino, Lil Yachty, Mack Wilds, Action Bronson, Vado, Audio Push, Chevy Woods, Jae Millz, Trae the Truth, Fred the Godson, Torch (MMG) and many more talented artists.
Stay in tune with D.Chamberz at DChamberz.com or on all social medias: @dchamberzciw
A win for Hip-Hop as the chosen one, “God’s Son”, Nasir Jones as he took home the Grammy for Album Of The Year with his 2020 release “King’s Disease”. The King of the Golden Era stands firm on his delivery of black excellence without hesitation. Understanding what it takes to make a classic album is one thing doing it is another. Already on record for having arguably the most influential album of all time in “Illmatic”, Nas captures the culture again with the same formula using different ingredients. The 5 pillars of Hip-Hop, Dance, Graffiti, Rap, the DJ who now is often replaced with the producer, and Education of the people.
While the Grammys have made an extra effort to address its lack of acknowlegment regarding rap and hip-hop music, it has rapidly pushed to correct itself. The genre has undergone massive changes since The Fresh Prince first led a hip-hop boycott of the 1989 ceremony to protest the Grammys not televising the new Best Rap Performance award. The Fresh Prince is now better known for his extensive filmography and the family first lifestyle he promotes more than his mic skills, it showed the world the versatility of our youth in entertainment.
Fast forward to 2020 a year of riots, protest, a push for reform on all levels across the world for equality and spiritual warfare we crown Hip-Hop. “King’s Disease” embodies the elements with soul and presents a an album that can be played by all walks of life. You don’t have to be a fan of Nas to gain from his art, in which he reaches the masses once again but with the gold coming home to Mass Appeal.
Beating out an almost flawless “A Written Testimony” by Jay Electronica that only lacked the radio friendly sound Nas captured, and a sonically unflawed “Alfredo” by Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist “King’s Disease” is as Illmatic as it gets. Being able to play in any order and not skip a song on top of the legendary features what more could you ask for?
Nas had guest appearance from Charlie Wilson, Hit-Boy, Big Sean, Don Toliver, Lil Durk, Anderson Paak, Brucie B, Nas’s supergroup The Firm, Fivio Foreign, and ASAP Ferg. The album art by the talented artist Honeiee was full of royalty and excellence with a touch of God to honor the mindset of the project. congrats King!
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