So they weren’t classic films, but I don’t know anybody who doesn’t get excited and drop what they’re doing to watch House Party (the original) and Class Act. The dancing is amazing, the storylines are easy to follow and you can’t say you aren’t fully entertained. These two movies dropped more than 20 years ago and it’s been a while since we’ve seen all the stars that made them must-see films in black homes years ago. Some, well, you know what they’re up to because they’re still doing big things, while others have stayed under the radar. Shall we be nosey and find out their whereabouts? Be prepared to click!

AJ Johnson

Adrienne-Joi Johnson captured everybody’s attention with her yellow spandex jumpsuit and killer dance moves in House Party. Playing Sharane, the cool chick from the hood (no for real, her neighborhood was mad sketch), both Kid and Play battled for her affections for most of the movie, but her finger wave and curl-wearing behind played coy with both fellas cause she had it like that. So where is she nowadays? Out here flexing on folks as a fitness and wellness coach. Check the abs for proof of how that’s working out. After her role in Baby Boy, Johnson did a few TV roles here and there (including hosting the show Flab to Fab), but she’s been more about weight loss and overall health over the past few years, even being a spokeswoman for the American Cancer Society.

Look into his little adorable eyes and tell us if you know who this cute kid belongs to. This three-year-old is the son of two parents both known for their acting abilities. His mother can not only act, but she can sing, and dance, which we’ve seen her do in different movie and television roles over the years. Speaking of television, she was the love interest of one of our favorite funny men on a classic sitcom, where she was always cracked on about the size of her head. Her husband used to be an NBA star, but after his career was cut short, he turned his sights to acting as well, later starring in a popular UPN/CW sitcom that was brought to life by his friend Will Smith. And he’s also a businessman, starting his own sports agency and with his wife, opening a restaurant and lounge named after their first son, and this little man’s older brother, Xen.

He is Ezekiel Czar, the youngest son of Tisha Campbell-Martin and Duane Martin. He is pictured above with his famous mom and his older brother, Xen, who was diagnosed with Autism. Because of Xen’s diagnosis at 18 months old, Tisha has been at the forefront of trying to spread the word about Autism affecting children in the black community. She seems to be an awesome mommy, and the kids are too cute. Don’t you agree?

Source: styleblazer.com

From styleblazer.com

Some of Hollywood’s wealthiest stars didn’t grow up in a house with a white picket fence and a back yard.  Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett-Smith, and Kerry Washington are a few of many successful concrete roses who were born and raised in the hood. Although the hood may be an extremely challenging environment to grow up in,  these classy ladies still managed to make a name for themselves, and brought truth to the saying: “It doesn’t matter where you come from, it matters where you’re going.” Get inspired by 15 sophisticated women with humble beginnings that helped to mold them into the superstars they are today.

Find out which Hollywood A-listers made their way out of the hood at styleblazer.com

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Source: robertoramone.tumblr.com

It’s no secret that black films thrived in the late eighties and early nineties. So it’s no surprise that Boomerang came along when it did. Released in 1992, the film started off as Eddie Murphy’s brainchild. The movie was a hit, becoming the 18th highest grossing film of the year. By now, you’ve probably seen the movie, but we bet you don’t know some of the behind the scenes secrets. Well don’t worry sweetness, we’re going to share the knowledge.

Source: tyesonm26.wordpress.com

I dare you to try and think of one, just one, episode of “Martin” that you could classify as your favorite. It’s hard, right? The Fox show was probably what brought folks home on Thursday nights, and is also one of the few TV sitcoms that many people actually own on DVD, even though it often appears on TV through syndication. It was just THAT funny. Maybe it was crazy Martin Lawrence and his many characters, the silly stories, or just how well the cast meshed together, but this show was THE bomb. Time to take a walk down memory lane, and also look to the present to see what our favorite cast members and characters from the iconic black comedy are up to now. And as always, be prepared to click (so don’t complain).

Source: celebrityworthlist.com

Martin Lawrence

Martin Lawrence did a lot of film and TV work before he landed his own show. He was on “What’s Happening Now,” in Do The Right Thing, and of course, House Party. But it wasn’t until he played insane Martin Payne that he blew up. We loved his penchant for throwing people out when they tried to play him, his hilarious dancing skills, and his back and forth banter with Pam.  He was everyone from Sheneneh Jenkins and old Otis, to Jerome and King Beef (“But first, I must dance!”). Of course, Martin had success during and after the show, appearing in the film, Bad Boys and A Thin Line Between Love and Hate, and then doing a lot of family friendly and crazy movies: Big Momma’s House, Rebound, and Death at a Funeral. It was recently announced that a possible Bad Boys 3 will be brought to theaters in the future. *Excited face*

Source: zimbio.com

Source: Eurweb.com

I do not envy celebrities when it comes to developing and maintaining a relationship in the public eye. The rumors some members of the media are willing to create to get a dollar  are really at the expense of a real life relationship. It’s really kind of sad when you think about it. But such is the price of being in the public eye.

Tisha Campbell-Martin, wife to actor Duane Martin, recently took to Twitter to address to some of the drama that’s been swirling around about the “impending” Smith divorce.

“Usually I ignore negativity, but I’m tired of the media attacking TheSmiths. They’re an amazing couple n I wish ppl wld stop perpetuatin LIES.”

See what Tisha had to say about she and the Smith’s relationship at Eurweb.com

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Sometimes we look at celebrities and life just doesn’t seem fair. They’re rich, they’re adored and to add insult to injury they’re unnaturally good looking, right? Well…not really. If you look closely, through the makeup, Photoshop, and airbrushing, you’ll notice most of them look just like you and me. And just like us, their bodies aren’t perfect. But, when you have undeniable talent, people will accept your so-called “flaws” with open arms. Here are some celebrities who have features that are a little…interesting. Many have embraced themselves with with such conviction that those same features that might have caused ridicule as a child, are now their “quirky” bits that help  them stand out from the rest of Hollywood and make more money.

Film festivals like Sundance and Cannes are well known for making otherwise unknown indie flicks into blockbusters, but black film festivals like Urban World and Pan African also highlight quality films. Last year’s festival favorites included a variety of black films about everything from 30-something romantic dilemmas to an infamous thoroughfare in Detroit.  The casts are just as diverse as the plots. Wood Harris, Tisha Campbell-Martin, Omari Hardwick, Golden Brooks and Meagan Good are just some of the actors in theses movies.
Here are five black films from the black film circuit that you just might see in a theater near you this year! Click here to see the list! Are some of your favorite actors in these films?

By Erica Renee

Real Love: Mary j. Blige & Kendu Isaacs

Earlier this week the media was in frenzy as pictures surfaced confirming The-Dream’s infidelity in his marriage to Christina Milian. Some men shared their disbelief while most women shared their disgust. We’ve seen this too many times before, black love that comes crashing down in selfishness and infidelity. It leads us to wonder, does Black Love still exist?

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