The world was shocked on Friday night to learn that Chadwick Boseman, star of Black Panther, 42, and Da 5 Bloods, passed away due to a four-year battle with colon cancer.

Boseman was a real-life superhero, a real-life Black Panther, using his time the past four years to give representation to the Black community and even care for terminally ill children dealing with a similar illness as himself.

 

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It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman.⁣ ⁣ Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and battled with it these last 4 years as it progressed to stage IV. ⁣ ⁣ A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much. From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and several more, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy. ⁣ ⁣ It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther. ⁣ ⁣ He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side. ⁣ ⁣ The family thanks you for your love and prayers, and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time. ⁣ ⁣ Photo Credit: @samjonespictures

A post shared by Chadwick Boseman (@chadwickboseman) on Aug 28, 2020 at 7:11pm PDT

Finally, little Black kids (and adults alike) had a superhero that looked like them. Never underestimate the importance of representation.

My favorite cover of a comic book ever pic.twitter.com/8ycFOP48nP

— Cameron Ramos (@CamRamos95) August 29, 2020

The craziest thing is that no one knew Boseman was sick (save for his close ones of course). And since 2016 he delivered some of the most memorable roles of any actors in our lifetimes. And he approached people with kindness.

That last part is of the utmost importance. Remember when Chadwick was seen out in public several times looking rather gaunt? People clowned him, ridiculed him. And for what? A couple more likes on a tweet?

 

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Is this an important enough POST? I thought it was… ❤️♥️🖤 #chadwickboseman #rip

A post shared by Lalo Vera Jr. (@blazecamp) on Aug 31, 2020 at 7:40am PDT

His love and kindness even while fighting for his life underscore how truly beautiful Chadwick Boseman was. And just because someone is a celebrity does not mean they do not deal with hardships.

Approach everyone with kindness and care, for you never really know what someone is going through.

Chadwick Boseman not only was a beautiful man in his everyday life. But he was an immensely influential figure in his work.

Here is Chadwick Boseman talking in 2013 about playing Jackie Robinson.
2020 just sucks in a lot of ways.pic.twitter.com/C93TdJNu9s

— Robert Flores (@RoFlo) August 29, 2020

He played James Brown in Get On Up, Jackie Robinson in 42, and Thurgood Marshall in Marshall. Paving the way for the youth to learn more about incredibly influential historical figures seemed like Boseman’s calling. But it took a lot for him to get to that place.

Boseman said on Uninterrupted’s The Shop:

“I had agents that would give me things that are more stereotypical, roles that I should take. Because I said no at certain times… it made me available for the things that got me to where I am. For me it’s always been like first, ‘who are you?’ I have to know who I am first before I know how to navigate this thing.”

 

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He chose his roles with conviction and never let the noise knock him off course. Thank you for the infinite inspiration. Rest in power, @ChadwickBoseman 🙏🏾

A post shared by UNINTERRUPTED (@uninterrupted) on Aug 29, 2020 at 1:02pm PDT

Wiser words have hardly ever been spoken. Stay true to yourself. Lead with love and compassion. We miss you Chadwick but we will not forget you. The impact you left on countless individuals will not go unnoticed as the years go on.

Chadwick Boseman truly was the best of us. May his light guide us forward in these trying times. And may he rest in power.

Women of Wakanda forever! Ryan Coogler killed directing Black Panther. The Marvel movie broke records and it will forever be a stamp in time. It crushed the box office with $1.3 billion in ticket sales alone.

The superhero movie was more than epic when it hit the silver screen and now the young director has revealed that he is more than open to creating a female spin-off to the blockbuster hit.

Sheesh, maybe Chadwick Boseman can finally get a break. We all know that he is so tired of throwing up Wakanda across his chest. He’s been praying for this day.

The news came via Variety at this years Cannes Film Festival on Thursday afternoon. During a two-hour talk, moderator and critic Elvis Mitchell asked Coogler if the women of Black Panther were as important as the men.

You should know that his reply was worth remembering. Coogler said, “I think you could argue they are more important.” Of course, they are. Without Nakia, Okoye, Shuri, and the Dora Milaje, King T’challa wouldn’t be shit.

Killmonger would’ve easily washed Wakanda if wasn’t for the beautiful, Black, and powerful #WomenofWakanda. What was one of Coogler’s favorite parts of the film?

The part where T’challa was left for dead and viewers were totally just following the women. He told Variety,

“There’s a whole section of the film where T’Challa is out of the movie and you’re just following the women… That’s one of my favorite parts of the movie when I watched it, and I didn’t expect that… That part of the movie you feel like you’re watching something fresh and new. That part of it was exciting. We have these actresses who could easily carry their own movie.”

Let’s get it! A film like this would be very dope and much needed at a time where women find themselves at the shit end of the stick in Hollywood. Especially women of color.

The film would be very empowering for girls all around the world. The spin-off would be light work to produce as Marvel did focus on the women of Wakanda in the comics. When asked about doing a spin-off Coogler was ecstatic. He told Variety,

“Oh man! That would be amazing if the opportunity came up. They did it in the comic-book version.”

Hopefully, this really happens. God knows there’s nothing worse than high hopes and no delivery. No pressure Marvel and Disney. Just woo us as you have been. Wakanda Forever!

Hollywood is currently in the midst of a Black renaissance.

The overwhelming success of Marvel’s Black Panther has set a new precedent for Black films and highlights what has been gradual fight for representation for all people of color in film.

Black Panther had the biggest opening weekend for a Black director and is the highest-grossing movie (in North America) directed by a Black filmmaker in history. It’s the first major motion film with a majority Black cast, it’s based on an African nation that’s insulated, un-colonized and technologically advanced, and even the soundtrack was produced by a Black label in Top Dawg Entertainment.

BP also disproves the notion that Blacks can’t carry a big film or that their story isn’t relatable enough to garner international attention. In its four day debut, Black Panther pulled in a staggering $241.9m domestically and $169 million abroad (and that’s without debuting in some of the biggest global markets, like China, Japan, and Russia).

Black Panther is easily the biggest, Blackest movie off all-time.

But Black Panther’s success is just the latest peak of what has been a surge of successful Black films and television shows over the past couple of years. It’s the cherry on top, the sucker punch, and closing argument to Black’s cry for representation, access, and entry for the same opportunities white actors have been getting for decades.

Jordan Peele’s Get Out (2017) was the highest-grossing original debut ever, Barry Jenkins’ Moonlight (2016) became the smallest budget production — accounting for inflation — to ever receive best picture at the Academy Awards.

Original, Black shows that tell true, Black stories are infiltrating television, too. Issa Rae’s Insecure was renewed for a third season on HBO and Donald Glover’s Atlanta, which plays snippets of Migos’s and other rap favorites throughout the show on network television of all places, is shooting its second season.

That doesn’t include Shonda Rhimes, who is dominating with the trifecta of Scandal, Grey’s Anatomy and How to get Away with Murder (two of which have Black women as leads).

For an industry that has cast Elizabeth Taylor as Cleopatra, John Wayne as Genghis Khan, Jake Gyllenhaal as the Prince of Persia, Johnny Depp as Tonto (a Native American) in The Lone Ranger (2013) and tried to cast some white dude as Michael Jackson, it’s safe to say that we’re slowly turning a leaf.

Hollywood’s front door is finally beginning to sliver open for Blacks, but it’s important to remember that it’s just that — a sliver. The glass ceiling is far from being broken through. In fact, there’s barely been a crack.

For perspective, think about how far women have had to come and still have to go.

In 1980, the Bechdel test was developed to determine whether women were adequately represented in film. To pass the test was simple: two women had to talk to each other on screen about something other than a man.

Imagine that — being so ignorant to the void of women in film that a test to measure gender inequality was created. There’s still work to do though, there’s been more inclusion, more (white) women on screen talk to other (white) women and (white) women with leads.

Considering this, think how tough it is for Blacks, and imagine how much tougher for Black women.

An average of 75.2 percent of speaking roles already go to white actors, according to the 2014 University of Southern California study “Inequality in 700 Popular Films,” some of those parts are actually characters of color. And the films that have done well and that do cast Black actors, usually are the same roles.

With 12 Years a Slave, and 2015’s Selma — the last pictures nominated for best picture at the Academy Awards before Moonlight — it seemed as if Hollywood was only okay seeing Blacks cast in a certain light.

And while Black Panther is somewhat of a breakthrough, the metaphorical ceiling won’t truly be broken until Blacks consistently land leads for a multi-cultural major motion films, not just a film where everyone is Black.

There is an undeniable movement in Hollywood for Blacks that shouldn’t be ignored. Companies, like Macro for example, have been working to attract the right attention so that more Ryan Coogler’s and Ava Duvernay’s can exist, thrive and have a seat at the table.

Established around three years ago by former big name Hollywood agent, Charles D. King, Macro has made an intention to occupy the television, film, and even publication space, so that the Black voice can be heard. It’s why we’ve gotten a Mudbound (2017) and sites like Blavity, which cater to the black millennial voice.

For the first time in a long time, Black people can look at a screen and see themselves as a superhero, successful lawyer, a compassionate gay men or woman, and many other different complex ways that show actual people.

On the same token, however, it is important that we know there is still work to do.

As we celebrate Black Panther’s success, let’s hope this groundbreaking moment goes far beyond sales, and continues to chip away at the ceiling that has cast a shadow over Hollywood.

Happy Friday y’all.

We got some fire releases this week, headlined by the Black Panther soundtrack, which turned out basically just to be a Kendrick Lamar album. Kendrick curated and executive produced the entire album and it is… perfect.

Usually I try to pick one standout track from an album or a song that sort of exemplifies the entire project, but as you will see, I was not able to do that here.

There were also a couple cool EPs dropping from the likes of 2 Chainz and young songstress Ravyn Lenae. Blood Orange and Topaz Jones released two new tracks each. And a feature from Drake might just change BlocBoy JB’s entire life.

Let’s jump into it.

Kendrick Lamar and ScHoolboy Q – “X” (with 2 Chainz & Saudi)

https://open.spotify.com/track/4LmAnpjlhWTahvRkYR8xJa?si=c8fr3W9NQhyoPkc3dSWa5A

Schoolboy, 2 Chainz, and Saudi trade verses over this twinkling beat produced by in-house TDE producer Sounwave (who produced most of the album). It’s lit.

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Khalid – “The Ways” (with Swae Lee)

https://open.spotify.com/track/5jyyPsIGM2yqkZN9R3TmvN?si=RWBVsAk7RQWcN-3lsqub_w

One of the best parts of this soundtrack is the weird, unexpected pairings. Like, Khalid and Swae Lee of Rae Sremmurd is not an obvious duo, but “The Ways” is a jam. Khalid’s voice is wild.

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SOB X RBE – “Paramedic!”

https://open.spotify.com/track/2tPcTFiQF9MbVUyjZ3zDhA?si=tWLVHFX7QKmO1-VqP3Wx7Q

The four-piece rap group SOB X RBE from Vallejo, California has been creating a pretty hot buzz of late. This song goes pretty damn hard. These kids are putting Vallejo (home of West Coast legend Mac Dre) back on the map.

I can’t fucking wait to see this movie.

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2 Chainz – LAMBORGHINI TRUCK (ATLANTA SHIT)

https://open.spotify.com/track/39jtb1uX8usSYguCibEnkh?si=D7bOA-FDSu6ByGgC9WDctw

Yesterday, 2 Chainz stopped by with a surprise 4-track EP The Play Don’t Care Who Makes It (great name) out of nowhere.

It’s all very fire in typical Chainz fashion and the stand out “LAMBORGHINI TRUCK” is a long ode to Atlanta hip-hop. 2 Chainz is a treasure.

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Blood Orange – “Christopher & 6th”

Dev Hynes, aka Blood Orange, dropped two tracks in honor of Black History Month earlier this week.

The floating, dreamy “Christopher & 6th” is great. Need more Blood Orange in my life.

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Ravyn Lenae – Closer (Ode 2 U)

https://open.spotify.com/track/39xVzbZDVYROIkoI0wJU7k?si=A9xkZI6bRxOIkpRzAKcKKA

19-year-old Chicago songstress Ravyn Lenae released her debut Crush EP today, produced by Steve Lacy and it’s groovy as hell.

The project is pretty raw but Ravyn’s potential is wild, one to keep an eye on for sure.

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BlocBoy JB – “Look Alive” (ft. Drake)

https://open.spotify.com/track/4qKcDkK6siZ7Jp1Jb4m0aL?si=gy76O8PhQFyCTvND9f2zpA

Rising Memphis rapper BlocBoy JB, originator of the Shoot Dance, got Drake to jump on “Look Alive” and shit is hot.

The video is amazing, Drake tries to Shoot and looks unsurprisingly goofy.

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Topaz Jones – “Toothache”

https://open.spotify.com/track/0VTfnZjTjFdnqYnLDLnIxy?si=YF758GDITNufPTxDNGGe9Q

New Jersey funk artist Topaz Jones dropped a couple new tracks with “Toothache” and “Zoom” and you can’t not groove to these. I dare you.

Topaz is doing some interesting stuff, hopefully more to come from him this year.

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A-Trak – “Ride For Me” (with Falcons & Young Thug, ft. 24hrs)

https://open.spotify.com/album/3e4CcUaYUlyCp51QAYVFjV?si=_9RGCCEfQ1yeAovLOctuUg

On “Ride For Me” with A-Trak, Fool’s Gold signee Falcons, and 24hrs, Young Thug goes absolutely wild.

A-Trak and Thugga have apparently been working together since 2013 and have a grip of more music to release.

If it’s anything like the massive sound on “Ride For Me”, we might have some project on our hands.

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MGMT – “Me and Michael”

https://open.spotify.com/track/0t4z0WaQomQqPONghWn8c2?si=3qEdWEAbS4qrwRo3oS95xQ

MGMT, the Wesleyan-graduate duo that an entire generation of mid-20-year-olds first started experimenting with psychedelic drugs to, released their fourth studio album and first in five years today.

While their last couple efforts went for an excessive, experimental trip-pop thing (it didn’t work), Little Dark Age trims the excess way down for some simple, fun synth-pop. It’s pretty good.

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Brent Faiyaz – “Make Luv”

https://open.spotify.com/track/2CInzVilMduj9L8dDXwyUA?si=FUmczWUyTXSmwN9ejj9t9Q

Brent Faiyaz’s Sonder Son album was one of the best R&B albums of last year and with “Make Luv”, Brent doesn’t look like he’s slowing down.

Brent Faiyaz is going to be a star, man.

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Young Scooter – “Trippple Cross” (ft. Future & Young Thug)

https://open.spotify.com/album/2PU2Drmrh4hll9hfXg3d9L?si=rBJB_RHxQwS4OaF51_rLhg

ATL trap rap legend Young Scooter enlisted other ATL legends Future and Young Thug for “Trippple Cross”, the title track off Scooter’s upcoming album (due Feb. 24th).

It’s pretty much exactly what you would expect, which means it’s awesome.

Black Panther just got blacker.

In a press release this morning, Kendrick announced that he and TDE head executive, Anthony “Punch” Tiffith will be producing the soundtrack and writing scores alongside Marvel’s team for the film’s February 16th release.

Apparently Kendrick already gave us an update, too. You just had to pay close attention to the video for the single, “LOVE“.

“Marvel Studios’ Black Panther is amazing, from its cast to its director,” Kendrick said in the press release, via The Verge.

“The magnitude of this film showcases a great marriage of art and culture. I’m truly honored to contribute my knowledge of producing sound and writing music alongside [director Ryan Coogler] and Marvel’s vision.”

Comic book, movie, and lovers of culture have been anticipating the premier of Black Panther since the movie was first announced in In October 2014, with every reveal making the wait more agonizing.

Peep the official trailer for Black Panther:

The film’s black aesthetic is another reason the anticipation of there has been hype around the debut of the movie. Under an administration that is clearly at odds with the minorities of this country, Black Panther is a statement in the movie title in itself that serves as a beacon of light.

The cast is star-studded and predominantly black and includes the likes of Lupita Nyong’o (12 Years a Slave), Michael B. Jordan (Creed), Danai Gurira (The Walking Dead), Forest Whitaker (Rogue One) and American Horror Story’s Angela Bassett, just to name a few. Now, with TDE, in control of the soundtrack, it’s blacker than ever. Like I said.

The details on the soundtrack are not released but if it’s anything that we’re use to hearing from the label, Black Panther might be even better than we predicted.

Peep the first song of the soundtrack “All The Stars” featuring Kendrick and SZA here.

If you weren’t excited about the Black Panther movie before, this new trailer will change your mind.

The upcoming Marvel movie set to release Feb. 16 just got a new trailer showcasing its world and all the wildness happening in it.

This will be the 18th movie in Marvel’s Cinematic Universe, set to focus on Black Panther and his home in Wakanda.

Everything about this movie makes me believe it’s about to be fire.

The cast, the director, the characters, even the Vince Staples song over the trailer proves it so. Also this is about to be the most people of color in a Marvel movie ever.

No disrespect to Falcon (I had to look up his name, I thought it was Eagle) and War Machine but Black Panther is not with that sidekick shit, he’s the king of a nation.

After watching the new trailer about 20 times all I can think about is why I’m excited for this movie.

The stacked cast of Michael B. Jordan, Chadwick Boseman, Angela Bassett, and Andy Serkis is nothing but flex. Boseman, who’s set to play Black Panther, has played Jackie Robinson, James Brown, and Thurgood Marshall in the past.

With past roles like that you already know Boseman is about to kill this role. Directing the cast will be Ryan Coogler who’s noted for making Creed and Fruitvale Station. Coogler was also the guy who interviewed J.Cole on stage back in 2016. Coogler worked with Michael B. Jordan on Creed and Fruitvale and the pairing is always great, this time should be no different. 

The movie features some extremely interesting characters and a whole new world, which definitely helps out the already strong cast. From the little we’ve seen of Black Panther we already know he’s a savage.

The character’s debut in Civil War was nothing but gangsta, while everyone was throwing shields and lasers, Black Panther gave straight hands.

Michael B. Jordan as Erik Killmonger – Black Panther’s opposing force – looks ready to kill everyone and everything. Jordan likened the beef between the two to Magneto and Professor X’s rivalry, only more hands.

The trailer looks lit, the cast looks lit, this movie just looks lit.