Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias to Lend Voice to Comedy Central’s Animated Series “Everybody Still Hates Chris”

Posted on September 24, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias still hates Chris…

The 48-year-old Mexican American stand-up comedian and actor will guest star on Chris Rock’s animated series Everybody Still Hates Chris. which will premiere on Comedy Central on September 25.

Iglesias is among a roster of guest voice actors that includes Ayo Edebiri, Sally Jessy Raphael, Busta Rhymes, Tisha Campbell, Sam Richardson and Bell Biv DeVoe members Ricky Bell, Michael L. Bivins, Ronald Boyd DeVoe Jr.

Other guest actors include Jaylen Barron, Todd Bridges, Nicole Byer, Monét X Change, Eugene Cordero, Andy Daly, Loretta Devine, Earthquake, Ron Funches, Jaida Essence Hall, Jackée Harry, Phil Hendrie, Dave Herman, Thirstin’ Howl III, Rob Huebel, Phil Lamarr, Rack-Lo, Jessica Lowe, Vincent Martella, Laraine Newman, Gabrielle Nevaeh, Kevin Michael Richardson, Natasha Rothwell, Latrice Royale, Lindsey Stoddart, Cree Summer, Vanessa Vanjie and Jenny Yang.

Elsewhere, Paul Ben-Victor, Mike Estime, Antonio Fargas, Kevontay Jackson, Mikey Kelley, Jacqueline Mazarella, Paulina Singer and Ernest Thomas will be reprising their roles from the original, live-action series.

Everybody Still Hates Chris features Rock as Adult Chris, narrating stories inspired by his experience growing up as a skinny nerd in a large working-class family in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, during the late 1980s.

Terry Crews will voice his father Julius, a gentle giant with a relentless work ethic, and tightwad approach to life. He grew up dirt poor, so he knows the cost of everything down to the penny. He works two jobs to support the family, and on his days off, he takes on a third job.

Tichina Arnold will voice his mother Rochelle, who is smart, strong-willed, and has a nurturing spirit, but she can also be hot-headed, especially when it comes to her kids. She tolerates zero nonsense, so she quits more jobs in a month than most people do in a lifetime.

Tim Johnson Jr. voices Young Chris, Ozioma Akagha voices his baby sister Tonya, Terrence Little Gardenhigh voices his brother Drew and Gunnar Sizemore voices his friend Greg.

The series, which is based on Everybody Hates Chris, which ran for four seasons on UPN and The CW between 2005 and 2009, is produced by CBS Studios’ animation arm Eye Animation Productions and Chris Rock Enterprises.

Sanjay Shah is showrunner and executive produces alongside Rock, Everybody Hates Chris co-creator Ali LeRoi, Michael Rotenberg and Dave Becky of 3 Arts Entertainment, and Chris Prynoski, Shannon Prynoski, Antonio Canobbio and Ben Kalina from Titmouse, which serves as the animation studio.

Fat Joe Partnering with Power to the Patients to Advocate for Price Transparency in Healthcare

Posted on January 6, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Fat Joe is advocating for more transparency in healthcare…

53-year-old Puerto Rican and Cuban American rapper is teaming up with Jelly Roll, Wyclef Jean and Power to the Patients for an event in Washington, D.C. to advocate for a more affordable and equitable healthcare system through price transparency.

Taking place on Wedenesday, January 10 at Hamilton Live and with congressional leaders and government officials in attendance, the event see the artists “shed light on the injustices created by a healthcare system that hides its prices, stifling competition and evading accountability for overcharges and price gouging,” according to the announcement.

As part of the event, Fat Joe will serve as emcee while Jelly Roll and Wyclef Jean will perform.

“The U.S. healthcare system is America’s sickness,” said Fat Joe. “Healthcare price transparency isn’t a partisan or complicated issue. It’s common sense. The only people opposed to it are healthcare industry interests profiting by keeping patients in the dark. Price transparency can protect patients, families, employers, workers, even our own government from healthcare overcharging and pricing fraud as it does everywhere else in the economy. Clear prices allow consumers to choose affordable treatments without worrying that routine care will result in overcharges and even bankruptcy. Price transparency holds hospitals and insurance companies accountable, forcing them to compete and lowering costs, improving healthcare access, quality, and outcomes.”

Power to the Patients has played a key role in raising awareness on Capitol Hill about the urgent need to pass comprehensive healthcare price transparency legislation.

Last April, Fat Joe met with congressional leaders and the White House to advocate for the enforcement of price transparency rules that most hospitals around the country are disregarding.

And last September, he tapped Rick Ross, Busta Rhymes, French Montana, Method Man and Chuck D to unveil a public service announcement with Power the Patients, demanding elected officials commit to price transparency to allow for more honest, affordable, and equitable healthcare across the country.

The musicians called out hospitals and insurance companies that continue to hide prices by posting “estimates” or “average prices” instead of dollars and cents and noted the deception leads to the “stifling of competition, overcharges, fear, debt, and devastation all over the country.”

As a result of the continued awareness campaign, momentum for healthcare price transparency legislation has accelerated with both chambers of Congress taking action to advance legislation.

Fat Joe will join Power to the Patients, affiliated organization Patient Rights Advocate, and employers from across the country in meetings with Congressional leaders urging them to seize the momentum and get healthcare price transparency legislation passed and sent to President Joe Biden’s desk.

Fat Joe Calling for Transparency in the Nation’s Healthcare System

Posted on September 25, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Fat Joe is helping raise awareness about the nation’s healthcare system…

The 53-year-old Puerto Rican and Cuban American rapper has joined Busta Rhymes, Method Man, Rick Ross, Chuck D, and French Montana for a special PSA that advocates for more transparency in the healthcare system.

“Today, we confront a health care system that has been rigged against all of us,” they collectively said in the minute-long video. “Hospitals force patients to sign contracts for services without ever showing us actual prices, stifling competition, overcharging without accountability. And if we can’t pay, these same contracts allow them to take everything we own.”

Partnering with Power to the Patients, they labeled the current healthcare system as an “American healthcare crisis,” and rallied for more honest, affordable and equitable healthcare nationwide.

The video also came ahead of the congressional voting on healthcare transparency bills in Washington, D.C.

“Stifling competition. Overcharging without accountability and we can’t pay. These same contracts allow them to take everything we own,” they continue. “Creating so much fear that millions and millions of Americans refuse to enter a hospital. Our health and our lives at stake. This is an American humanitarian crisis. We demand prices and transparency in healthcare.”

Earlier this year, Power to the Patients, Fat Joe, City Council members and various union groups in New York City joined forces to advocate for transparency efforts.

That resulted in Mayor Eric Adams signing the Healthcare Accountability and Consumer Protection Act in June 2023.

The Act launched the nation’s first Office of Health Care Accountability to allow New Yorkers to compare hospital costs for the same services.

Jhene Aiko to Help Launch Palms Casino Resort’s “The Show: Sunshine Vibes Sessions” This Weekend

Posted on May 22, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Jhene Aiko is headed to Sin City this Memorial Day weekend…

This long holiday weekend, the 35-year-old part-Dominican American singer/songwriter will perform at the Palms Casino Resort as part of the launch of The Show: Sunshine Vibes Sessions.

The concert will begin this Saturday, May 27 at the Soak Pool with special performances by Aiko, Swae Lee, Saint Jhn and DJ Boof.

The following night will feature a second concert by Busta Rhymes, Jeremih and DJ Boof on the 1’s and 2’s.

“We are thrilled to kick off the pool season this Memorial Day Weekend at SOAK,” said Steve Sagan, executive director of nightlife and daylife at Palms. “SOAK Pool promises to be an ultimate poolside party paradise, offering a vibrant lineup of high-energy entertainment, fantastic music, refreshing drinks, delectable food, and endless fun.”

Tickets range from $65 – $150 and doors will open at 11 AM Saturday morning.

Fans can buy tickets here.

Swizz Beatz to Participate in Grammys’ Star-Studded Segment Celebrating Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary

Posted on February 2, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Swizz Beatz is helping celebrating hip-hop history…

The 65th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, February 5, will feature a star-studded segment celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop that will include the 44-year-old half-Puerto Rican recording artist, music producer and entrepreneur.

With a career spanning over two decades, his catalog includes “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem“, “Party Up (Up in Here)” (DMX), “Gotta Man” (Eve), “Jigga My Nigga“, “Girl’s Best Friend” (Jay-Z), “Upgrade U“, “Check on It“, “Ring the Alarm” (Beyoncé), “Good Times” (Styles P), “Bring ‘Em Out“, “Swing Ya Rag” (T.I.), “Hotel“, “I’m a Hustla” (Cassidy), “Touch It” (Busta Rhymes), “Ultralight Beam” (Kanye West), and more.

In addition to Beatz, the segment will include performances by Big Boi, Busta Rhymes with Spliff Star, De La Soul, DJ Drama, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Missy Elliott, Future, GloRilla, Grandmaster Flash, Grandmaster Mele Mel & Scorpio/Ethiopian King, Ice-T, Lil Baby, Lil Wayne, The Lox, Method Man, Nelly, Public Enemy, Queen Latifah, Rahiem, Rakim, RUN-DMC, Salt-N-Pepa and Spinderella, Scarface and Too $hort.

LL Cool J will introduce the segment, perform and give a dedication to hip-hop.

Questlove will serve as producer and musical director, The Roots will provide music and Black Thought will narrate.

“For five decades, hip-hop has not only been a defining force in music, but a major influence on our culture,” Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, said in a statement. “Its contributions to art, fashion, sport, politics, and society cannot be overstated. I’m so proud that we are honoring it in such a spectacular way on the Grammy stage. It is just the beginning of our yearlong celebration of this essential genre of music.”

The Grammys will also honor hip-hop with one of three breakout performances in this year’s In Memoriam segment.

On Wednesday (Feb. 1), the Academy announced that the In Memoriam segment at the 2023 Grammy Awards will include breakout tributes to three diverse artists who died last fall — Loretta Lynn, Christine McVie and Takeoff.

Kacey Musgraves will perform Lynn’s 1970 classic “Coal Miner’s Daughter” in tribute to the country legend, who died on October 4 at age 90; Sheryl Crow, Mick Fleetwood and Bonnie Raitt will team to perform “Songbird” from Fleetwood Mac’s album of the year-winning Rumours to honor McVie, who died on November 30 at age 79; and Maverick City Music will join Quavo for Quavo’s sentimental ballad “Without You” to honor Takeoff, who died on November 1 at just 28.

Also, Cardi B, who four years ago became the first female solo artist to win a Grammy for best rap album, will serve as a presenter on the show.

And the Grammys aren’t done celebrating hip-hop’s anniversary. In partnership with the Recording Academy, CBS will broadcast a special hip-hop music event later in 2023.

The 65th Annual Grammy Awards will air live from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and will be hosted for the third year in a row by Emmy-winning comedian Trevor Noah. The show will be broadcast live on Sunday, February 5, at 8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm PT on CBS and will be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.

Mariah Carey to Perform at This Year’s Lovers & Friends Fest in Las Vegas

Posted on January 22, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Mariah Carey will be celebrating with lovers and friends…

The 52-year-old half-Venezuelan American Grammy-winning singer will perform at this year’s Lovers & Friends Fest, presented by Usher.

The one-day only festival will take place on May 6 at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds; and it’s proving to be a star-studded smörgåsbord of nostalgia for Y2K natives and newcomers alike. The festival also recruited some 2010s and 2020s favorites for their 45-act festival.

In addition to Carey and Usher, featured artists and groups will include Christina Aguilera, Frankie J, Missy Elliott, Chris Brown, Nelly, Busta Rhymes, Flo Rida, Master P and No Limit Soldiers, Sean Paul, Shaggy, Beenie Man, Chris Brown, Ginuwine, Remy Ma, JoJo, En Vogue, Blackstreet, Jagged Edge, Next, Wayne Wonder, Kevin Lyttle, 702, Lumidee and many, many more.

The festival is perfectly positioned amidst the ongoing early 2000s obsession in popular culture, with TikTokers promoting over-the-ear headphones, low rise jeans, rhinestones and paper-thin brows–in other words, the Y2K starter pack.

This year’s Lovers & Friends will be promoted by C3 (Austin City Limits Music Festival and Lollapalooza), with general ticket sales available on loversandfriendsfest.com. Individual ticket prices range from $250 to $585.

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New Episode of Paramount+’s “Behind the Music” to Feature Jennifer Lopez

Posted on November 12, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Prepare for a behind the scenes look at Jennifer Lopez’s music…

The 53-year-old Puerto Rican superstar will be featured in one of the new episodes of Paramount+’s Behind the Music.

In addition to J.Lo, new installments of the documentary series will also feature Boy George, Jason Aldean and Remy Ma.

The new installments of the documentary series will hit the streamer on November 29.

Additionally, remastered episodes spotlighting Boyz II Men, Christina Aguilera, Gloria Estefan, Hootie & the Blowfish, Mötley Crüe, Pink and TLC will drop the same day.

Here are the loglines for the new episodes:

After three decades, Jennifer Lopez is at the very top of her game and shows no signs of slowing down. J.Lo reflects on key moments of her iconic career in music, film and fashion while celebrating her present with husband Ben Affleck.
Boy George reflects on his meteoric rise from outcast to ‘80s global superstar with Culture Club. A tumultuous love affair, intense fame and addiction almost destroyed his career – but 40 years on, he remains an LGBTQ+ pop icon.
Jason Aldean is a small-town kid turned country superstar who never backed down in life, and changed the country music genre forever.
Remy Ma shares her journey to becoming the queen of New York hip hop. Her road to fame with the Terror Squad was paved with loss – a prison sentence almost ended it all – but her comeback inspired millions.

For 14 seasons, Behind the Music has provided an intimate look into the personal lives of pop music’s greatest and most influential artists. Since moving to Paramount+, the series has gone behind the scenes into the lives of stars like Bret Michaels, Busta Rhymes, Duran Duran, Fat Joe, Huey Lewis, LL Cool J, New Kids on the Block and Ricky Martin.

The series is executive produced by Bruce Gillmer, Jennifer Demme and Michael Maniaci for MTV Entertainment Studios.

Santana Releases New Track “Dip’d in Coke,” featuring French Montana & Cam’ron

Posted on March 1, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Juelz Santana is dipping his feet back into the music pool…

The 39-year-old half-Dominican American rapper has released his new track “Dip’d in Coke,” featuring French Montana and Cam’ron.

Santana, who began appearon on VH1‘s Love & Hip Hop last year, has been throwing out haymaker after haymaker lately in terms of new records, from his hard-hitting track “Time Ticking” to his old-school anthem “Old Thing Back,” featuring Jadakiss, Redman, Method Man and Busta Rhymes.

“Dip’d in Coke” finds three of New York’s heavyweights boasting about their gaudy jewelry and hefty bank accounts, over the Harry Fraud– and Maaly Raw-produced beat.

Santana’s forthcoming mixtape The Get Back will be released soon.

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