Celebrity Coverage
WATCH: Martin Lawrence and Will Smith on the moving ‘Big Reach’ at the center of ‘Bad Boys: Ride Or Die’
The solid discusses the iconic improv that helped define their hit series, in addition to the deeper message behind the motion and comedy
hits theaters later this week, and the fourth installment of the buddy cop motion comedy has already been hailed as the funniest ride yet.
The franchise’s longevity across nearly three a long time and 4 movies that proceed to garner ever-increasing attention from audiences might be primarily attributed to the palpable chemistry between its important stars. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are Mike Lowry and Marcus Burnett, the quintessential cop duo that mixes comedy and motion.
Because each actor was a comedic genius in his own right, many of the golden moments in the story that got the most laughs from the audience weren’t even originally included in the script – which is probably unsurprising. The two are known for going off script and letting their banter drive the narrative through improvisation. For Lawrence and Smith, one of their favorite improvs got here in 2003 with Reggie [Dennis Greene] arrived at the Burnett house to take Marcus’ daughter on a date.
“Literally every word in that scene was improvised,” Smith tells ESSENCE. “To do this, it turned out to be such an iconic scene… you simply needed to let it rip. It’s kind of a comedy, and every shot is different, just beautiful.”
The moment, which Lawrence said was actually Greene’s first appearance in front of the camera since he wasn’t even an actor, become a full-on in-universe subplot – which this time will profit attentive fans greatly as the film unfolds around them.
“There are few payoffs in cinema as good as the one in this movie,” Smith says of the character’s story, which guarantees to be a treat for individuals who didn’t make it from day one. “No spoilers, but viewers who were fans of this series will scream and cheer loudly during the scenes in this movie.”
Another treat for fans is the film’s message about fate, destiny and trust in the Universe, delivered with the trademark comedy and motion that only Smith and Lawrence can deliver.
“We don’t compromise on being a popcorn movie, but I like the idea of having something as poignant as we’re trying to say in a Bad Boys movie and just hiding it under the beauty and comedy of what we’re trying to do for a summer audience.”
in cinemas nationwide from June 7, 2024.
Celebrity Coverage
A Fall Hairstyle Rihanna Approves: Medium-Length Curls – Essence
Neil Mockford/GC Images
BobsLobs and pixie cuts, like Rihanna’s iconic short black bob, have been among the most beloved hair trends this summer. While these big cuts have been flooding our feeds all season long, this week the Fenty Hair founder introduced mid-length curls just days before fall.
Rihanna didn’t take the front row at London Fashion Week to have a good time the opening of Fenty Hair’s recent home in Selfridges. Her loose waves were parted to the perimeters, with the left half tucked behind her ear, revealing a chandelier-shaped earring. On the opposite side, the waves sat above her breasts — accentuated by custom Jacquemus robe— and rocked manicure butter.
To achieve this look, Fenty Hair Global Hair Stylist Ursula Stephen she washed her hair with shampoo and conditioner before preparing 5 in 1 heat protection type. She then curled the sections with a medium-diameter iron, pinning each section because the curls cooled. After resting, Stephen combed the curls and backcombed the roots for added volume, securing his curls with edge control.
The tycoon matched her hair together with her cherry-coloured makeup, which was highlighted Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Stix Lipstick in “Blaz’d Donut” and Snap Shadows Eyeshadow Palette in “True Neutrals”—turning this look into Rihanna’s first fall trend.
Celebrity Coverage
Best New Music of the Week: GloRilla, Monaleo, Shenseea & More – Essence
Happy Friday, folks. As summer officially involves an end, let’s enjoy its final days with some great music from some of the most talented artists in entertainment.
Today, GloRilla drops “Hollon,” the first single from her highly anticipated debut album. Monaleo and Kaliii team up on recent track “Flush Em,” iconic MC Lyte returns after a decade along with his 1 Of 1 album, and TDE’s ScHoolboy Q drops the video for “THANK GOD 4 ME” with . Our roundup also includes music from Lecrae, Future, Rich Homie Quan, and more.
Check out today’s list of recent releases below.
Celebrity Coverage
Arike Ogunbowale strives for excellence both on and off the pitch – Essence
Arike Ogunbowale during the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game in Phoenix, Arizona. Photo: Alex Slitz/Getty Images
In Yoruba, the name means “a child you cherish, nurture, pamper, and love.” So from the moment she was born, WNBA star Arike Ogunbowale was special—and now the world knows it. In just six seasons, she became the fastest player in league history to achieve 4,000 points and broke the Dallas Wings’ all-time scoring record. For an athlete who has achieved a lot, she still has so much to supply.
Ogunbowale was born in Milwaukee to Nigerian parents and was raised surrounded by sports. Her mother was a former softball player at DePaul University, and her brother Dare played football at the University of Wisconsin before joining the NFL as a running back for the Houston Texans. Growing up, Ogunbowale showed off her athletic skills in multiple sports, contributing to 4 state football championships during her highschool years. However, her passion shifted to basketball, where she rose to fame at Divine Savior Holy Angels High School, earning accolades similar to Wisconsin Miss Basketball and being chosen as a McDonald’s All-American.
The point guard’s profession took off when she joined the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and eventually led the team to a national championship in 2018. Since being drafted by the Wings the following yr, Ogunbowale has earned quite a few accolades, including 4 All-Star selections and two All-Star MVP honors — the latest coming in an exciting game in Phoenix on Feb. 18. “I just love having fun and playing with a lot of super great players — that’s always what I look forward to in the All-Star Game,” she says.
Amid all her successes, the 27-yr-old understands the responsibility she has to influence the next generation. “I was lucky enough to have two amazing parents who always did the best they could for me and more,” Arike says. “I know how hard it is to get out of Milwaukee. So I always think that when I see little kids, I always try to be the best person I can for them.”
“I know I’m a role model,” she continues. “That just comes with being in your shoes, so I definitely embrace that. I want to be the type of person that people look up to. Young boys, young girls, young black kids — it doesn’t matter. I want to be someone they can see themselves in. So I know I’m a role model, and I try to treat myself that way because I know people are looking up to me.”
The past yr has been a memorable one for the popular basketball star on both a private and skilled level. After establishing herself as one in all the most prolific scorers the WNBA has ever seen, the one thing Ogunbowale hasn’t managed to capture during her illustrious profession has been a league title. As an athlete in her prime, a championship is something she will check off her bucket list in the very near future. Off the court, she reached a key milestone by announcing her engagement to Lala Ronay. For some, balancing home and basketball might be difficult, but for Ogunbowale, this latest relationship has been the perfect complement to her life.
“It really makes me happy,” she says of her decision. “My biggest goal has always been to have a family and kids, and now I’m a little closer to that. It definitely brings me a lot of peace and I feel like I’m headed in the right direction.”
-
Press Release6 months ago
CEO of 360WiSE Launches Mentorship Program in Overtown Miami FL
-
Business and Finance4 months ago
The Importance of Owning Your Distribution Media Platform
-
Press Release5 months ago
U.S.-Africa Chamber of Commerce Appoints Robert Alexander of 360WiseMedia as Board Director
-
Business and Finance6 months ago
360Wise Media and McDonald’s NY Tri-State Owner Operators Celebrate Success of “Faces of Black History” Campaign with Over 2 Million Event Visits
-
Film5 months ago
Time Selects Taraji P. Henson to Host ‘Time100 Special’ in 2024 on ABC
-
Press Release6 months ago
Eggstravaganza, Returning to Miramar Regional Park
-
Ben Crump6 months ago
Attorney Ben Crump vs Google Black Minority Lawsuit
-
Fitness6 months ago
At Smartwater Wellness, check in with fitness trainer Shy Lovell