When I hear the term "Family Values," I think of the Christian Right and Rev. Jerry Falwell, and I get all squirmy and want to run in the opposite direction. But Tyler Perry (seen here at yesterday's Why Did I Get Married? premiere) recently announced that he wants to launch his own network geared toward promoting family values. Thankfully, that probably doesn't include gay bashing and anti-abortion speeches. Plus, rumor has it T.P. is the last guy with any business spouting anti-gay invectives. If you catch my drift.
Perry says, "Our children and our families are falling apart because there's only one thing to see, there's only one place you can go for information, especially African-American people, and a lot of times it's very negative.
"There are a lot of horrible things going on when you turn on the television with sex and violence and everybody has become desensitized to it. I want to own a television cable network that will be all positive when you turn it on in the morning, it will inspire your children if they're watching cartoons or the prime time."
This sounds like a good idea for kids, even if it turns into a self-indulgent Madea-fest. It will definitely be better than what the kids are watching in the mornings now.
What are the kids watching in the mornings? I'm out of touch.
Why Did I Get Married? It's a question Janet Jackson has asked herself at least two times in her life. It's also the name of the new Tyler Perry film, which premiered in Hollywood last night.
In attendance were the rest of the cast and friends, including Barry Bonds and his pleasant-looking wife, who's probably asking herself that big question right about now, as well.
I'm not really a Tyler Perry or Madea fan — yes, I know many of you love him — so I was surprised when I watched the trailer for Why Did I Get Married, starring T.P., Janet Jackson, Sharon Leal, Jill Scott, Malik Yoba, Michael Jai White, etc., and didn't want to shut the window before it was over. It doesn't necessarily look like a movie I would love, but I'm not mad at it either. Baby steps.
Scents, St. Tropez, Senseless Acts Of Violence, and The Silver Screen
If you've been fantasizing about smelling like Mariah Carey for the past 17 or so years, here's your chance. [WWD]
It's official, Jay-Z and Beyonce are having the best vacation ever. [JJ]
The 20-year-old suspect in rapper Stack Bundles' murder was found shot to death this morning. [NYDN]
Jamie Foxx refused to let Gladys Knight come to one of his comedy shows because he didn't want her to hear his language and subject matter. But did you send her a copy of Unpredictable, Jamie? [SP]
Jill Scott's making her way to the big screen with a part in the newest Tyler Perry film and a lead role in No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. [BV]
Universal Pictures might want to try this Belgium businessman's trick the next time they want to get rid of a black employee. Blame it on a racist German Shepherd. Works like a charm. [Spiegel]
If you ever meet Tyrese and he talks to you for five minutes then leaves, your parents must have done something right. [RWS]
Tyler Perry's indestructible, much to critics' chagrin. He's also in love with his own name. And lady's clothing. What did I say earlier about black men, drag, and success? [BWE]
Preview Kelly Rowland's album on AOL and help pick out her first single. Be nice. [AOL]
Young Denver Nugget J.R. Smith pulls a Paris Hilton by driving with a suspended license. Only this time someone actually got hurt. [DP]
Can You Imagine Madea Starring Alongside Kurupt in I Accidentally Domed Your Son?
Thanks to Tyler Perry, the "urban" direct-to-video market is no longer limited to shoot-em-ups starring has-been rappers.
[Variety]
Penn. State Rep. Dwight Evans looks to improve the hood in Philly, where the murder rate surpasses New York's, Chicago's, and LA's, but maintain the character of the old neighborhoods. [PI]
It's time to get your networking on at the Black Enterprise Enterpreneurs Conference in Florida. [PR]
Coincidentially, Common decided to apologize for rushing to judgment in the Duke lacrosse case right before his performance at the school. [Dx]
A black man was exonerated yesterday after DNA evidence proved that he hadn't committed the rape he spent 25 years in jail for. This puts the Duke lacrosse players' situation in perspective, doesn't it? [NH]