​Photos credit: Marcel Williams and Alec Watson

Lifetime announces the new movie, Imperfect High, starring Nia Sioux (Dance Moms) and Sherri Shepherd (Mr. Iglesias), following the substance abuse realities facing teens today and how it can become a family’s worst nightmare. The movie is a follow up to the 2015 hit Perfect High which starred Bella Thorne. Imperfect High premieres Saturday, September 18th at 8/7c.
 
Imperfect High is the story of Hanna Brooks (Sioux), the new girl in town who is looking to find her place and fit in at Lakewood High School, which was rocked a couple of years earlier by the shocking drug overdose of a popular student. Hanna suffers from an anxiety disorder and the move to a new school is especially stressful for her. While trying to fit in with the “it” crowd, she finds herself pulled between two boys - a bad boy with a heart of gold, and an alluring, popular rich kid who is not as straight of an arrow as he seems. Her relationship with them sweeps her into a dangerous situation that her mother Deborah (Shepherd) must fight to save her from. Ali Skovbye (Firefly Lane) also stars. 
 
Imperfect High marks Sioux and Shepherd’s return to Lifetime. Previously, Sioux was one of the original cast members of the pop culture phenomenon series Dance Moms where she appeared on nearly 200 episodes of the show. Shepherd starred in Lifetime’s first ever comedy series, Sherri, loosely based on her life.
 
As part of the movie’s debut, Lifetime will share the hotline and resource information for SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – on air, and across the network’s social media platforms. Imperfect High is produced by Tina Pehme and Kim C. Roberts of Sepia Films for Lifetime. Sheri Singer is the executive producer, and Siobhan Devine directs from a script written by Anne-Marie Hess. The film reunites the producers and writer of Perfect High.
 
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The Vision Community Foundation is set to hold its Annual Black Tie Gala at Atlanta’s historic Biltmore Ballrooms on Friday, September 3rd at 8PM. The gala, themed, “Salute to Fashion” will be hosted by iconic actress Vivica A. Fox and actor and TV Personality Miss Lawrence. The exclusive gala will honor an elite group of individuals and organizations that have made outstanding achievements in the arts, media, ministry, community service and government arenas throughout their lifetime. 
 
Hosted by Vivica A. Fox and Miss Lawrence, this year’s honorees include: “POSE” on FX star Ryan Jamaal Swain; TV/radio personality Gary with da Tea; actor/comedian Sampson McCormick, celebrated hair stylist/TV Personality Derek J; Speak Out USA’s Antonio Driver, iElevate TV VP, Onyx Keesha and OWN TV “Love & Marriage: Huntsville” producer Melody S. Holt; Sean John Co-Founder Jeffrey Tweedy; Director Nathan Hale Williams; Abounding Prosperity Inc founder Kirk Myers and Gilead Sciences. 
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During the night of fashion, singer Travis Malloy, will perform and acclaimed Alvin Ailey principal dancer Maurice Renaldo will perform.

“We take pride in honoring those who are trailblazing an inclusive path for all. Given the year we’ve all experienced, it is time to spread the message of love,” shares Vision Community Foundation executive director, Bishop Oliver Clyde Allen, III.
 
The Vision Community Foundation is a 501(C)(3) created to impact and transform the LGBTQI++ community by educating, creating awareness and implementing STI/STD prevention methods using all forms of millennial media and marketing tools. The mission of the foundation is to empower people mentally, emotionally, educationally, socially and economically.
 
Previous gala honorees include Jennifer Holiday, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Tisha Campbell, Terri J. Vaughn, TC Carson, Miss Sophia, Anthony Williams, Trina and Evelyn Braxton, Chrisette Michele, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Cynthia Bailey, Meelah Williams, Syleena Johnson, Angie Stone, Keke Wyatt, Rickey Smiley, Kimberly Chapman, Andre King and more.
 
The Vision Community Foundation’s Black-Tie Gala is part of the national iElevate Conference. For more information on Bishop Oliver Clyde Allen III and The Vision Community Foundation visit: ocallen.com and iElevate.org.

​Music Video Credits:
Production: Top Floor Films (@topfloorfilms)
Director: Shawn William, Lashley ' Motto ' Winter 
Assistant Director: Denisse Sud
Grip: Marvin Reyes
AC: Shamari Bryan
DP: Shawn William
Edit: Shawn William
Color: Tristin Bonachea
Behind the scenes: Kevin Harrell


Song Production Credits:
Written by Lashley ' Motto ' Winter, Garfield Spence (Konshens)
Produced by Lashley ' Motto ' Winter (@teamfoxxmusic)
Mix and mastered by Scratch Master

Additional Credits:
@Teamfoxxmusic 
​@jonnyblazeproductions
Chelsea Joseph
Jahmoul Gordon (@Frosswire_visuals)
Andy Bellas
Tyrone "Skelly' Henry
@ink.designs (Graphic Designer)


Models:
@cathiimedialuna 
@fitgyal_tia
@jessgetdressed
@therealdaniev

"Hopeless" was written and produced by David Chance. "My Guyanese roots inspired this beautiful song. It takes me back to the West Indian rhythms that you would hear all throughout the streets of Guyana," mentions David. "Hopeless is a simple love song about a man that is a "hopeless romantic" and has found the girl that matches his "fly", so he is expressing his love for her through this island inspired rhythm," he adds.

The summer-friendly visuals were directed by David Chance. "We wanted to show a video that made you feel like summer-time fun with an Island twist to it. Because of covid-19 it was nearly impossible to shoot in our desired location which was Bermuda, so the closest place to Baltimore that had palm trees was Florida!," chuckles David. "Miami and Orlando had major curfews in place due to Covid, so we figured we would stay clear of those areas and decided to shoot in Jacksonville, Florida. Our dancers traveled from Atlanta and not only brought choreography to the video but also doubled as leading ladies. Oh, it was challenging, but at the end of the day we had so much fun and we hope that our fans feel that in the video," shares Donte.
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RUFF ENDZ's latest album release, "REBIRTH" debuted at #3 on the iTunes R&B charts. The group celebrated chart-topping success of the album with a Billboard-reveal in Times Square where fans joined the group for social-distancing photos, autographs and a pure celebration in the middle of Times Square.​

ABOUT RUFF ENDZ
Ruff Endz, the hip-hop soul duo of David "Davinch" Chance and Dante "Chi" Jordan, formed in Baltimore in the mid-'90s. Named after the "Ruff" parts of the city, the group came up in West Baltimore originally as part of a quartet. Soon after they broke off on their own as a duo ,and in 1999 they signed to Epic Records. In that same year Ruff Endz was featured on Martin Lawrence’s ”Blue Streak” with a song entitled "Please dont forget about me" produced by Super Star producer Nokio from the platinum group "Dru Hill". They followed up in 2000 with their first album entitled "Love Crimes". Their first single, "No More", reached #1 on the R&B/Hip Hop charts and peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2002, the duo released their second album, Someone To Love You, which peaked in the top 10 on the R&B charts and top 50 on Billboard.

The album’s first single, “Someone To Love You”, went on to spend 11 weeks at #1 on the AC charts and with their second single, “Cash, Money, Cars, Clothes” rounding out the top 50 on Billboard. They have shared the stage with music industry icons such as Mary J. Blige, R. Kelly, and Christina Aguilera while also featured on CNN, MTV, BET, Top of the Pops (UK), and Much Music (Canada) just to name a few. Their music has been showcased on several feature films including Chris Rock's "Down to Earth" , Eddie Murphy’s “I Spy”, and Ice Cube’s “Barber Shop” just to name a few.
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Their success has grown and crossed US borders to headline their own tours throughout Europe and Japan building a major international fan base. After splitting in 2004 ,the group decided to join forces once again after their hometown of Baltimore erupted into an Historical uprising that left their city in flames. With the city in unrest, they were compelled to record their first song entitled "Time 4 Change" a song that speaks out against injustice for their city and all cities alike. "Time 4 Change" is also the groups tribute to Martin Luther King. Ruff Endz will also be featured on the new Fox TV show called "Shots Fired" with a song called "Speak to My Heart"(episode 7) which premiered March 22, 2018.

In 2020 , the group partnered with SRG-ILS Group to bring you their fifth studio album called “ REBIRTH”. With songs like “Be The One “ Congratulations", and “Hopeless", the Hip-Hop Soul Duo Ruff Endz is bringing what so many people want...100% ORGANIC R&B!

"The inspiration behind this album was birthed out of our experiences, both personally and professionally. Musically the album embodies elements from the classic era of R&B which we thought were important to preserve but still be able to incorporate a 2021 perspective," mentions Ruff Endz.

"We are excited about this project because it’s a true expression of how we really feel as men. We see life as a roller coaster of emotions and "REBIRTH" is a reflection of us riding the emotional ups & downs of life. Each song shares about an emotion that we have experienced and how we dealt with those situations," adds the group.
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Overall, the tone of this album is positive, so it doesn’t matter where you are in your life there is something for you on this album that is sure to satisfy your R&B appetite.

CONNECT WITH RUFF ENDZ
Website - www.OfficialRuffEndz.com
Instagram - @OfficialRuffEndz
Facebook - /OfficialRuffEndz

"What Am I to Do" was written by Elijah Thomas, Barshay Clay and Brandon Sims and produced by De-Capo. The visuals were directed by Slick 23. "What Am I to do was inspired by the thought of what decisions can be made when the person you are really in love with questions your love for them due to insecurities." mentions Elijah. "It is finding that one woman who is secure enough to know, I chose her," he adds. The single is globally available now on all streaming platforms via the SRG ILS/Bully Park Records label imprint.​

ABOUT ELIJAH THOMAS:
Elijah “Eli” Thomas knew music was his true love at a young age. Eli’s commitment to his music became more of a passion rather than a pastime, he often found himself sharing the piano keys with his father, A talented musician and Army veteran, It was in these moments he developed the capacity to learn music from both an instrumental and vocal standpoint. Over time, he began singing at church while emulating Jackie Wilson, Prince and Michael Jackson at home.

At 15, Eli auditioned for America’s Got Talent and at the age of 17 auditioned for The Voice. These experiences gave Eli the confidence he needed to pursue a career in the music industry. Since then, he has performed on numerous occasions throughout his hometown of Kansas City and began meeting with industry veterans and record labels in the hopes of securing a recording contract.

As one who has had to deal with identity and self-confidence issues, Eli plans to use his platform showing young adults they can be themselves without having to compromise. As an artist, he recognizes his dreams are not just for him, but to be shared with those in need of encouragement and inspiration.
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Eli has been focused on a major musical project which is sure to secure his spot as a new-age, urban, game changer. The project includes work from the likes of Rey Reel, Lyrica Anderson, Slikk Muzik, Eric Bellinger, Ye Ali, Tasha Catour, Sheldon Body Jr, Courtlin Jabrae, Kove', Omeretta and Joe Capo. With this project Eli is expected to reintroduce real R&B and pop music to this upcoming generation. He’s a true 360 artist, singer, songwriter, producer and performer.

CONNECT WITH ELIJAH THOMAS
Instagram: @EliOfficial__
Twitter: @EliOfficial__
Facebook: /EliOfficial__
Tiktok: @EliOfficial__

​It is the first-ever Dancehall/Reggae collaboration for Too Short. "Lil Freak" is a part of Shifta's forthcoming EP due out in 2021. The record also serves as Shifta's first official release of 2020, following up to "Titans" which dropped towards the tail-end of 2021.


“Lil Freak” is a thrilling addition to Shifta’s takeover — another exciting gem from a bold new artist. Timeless Entertainment CEO Rasheed Ali is also gearing up to release Shifta upcoming EP and said he is very confident in it making a major imprint on the music industry

eOne celebrated a powerful night of faith and music at the 36th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, which aired on BET on Sunday, August 1st. The Stellar Awards, which taped live on July 10th at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, TN, featured several of eOne’s chart-topping artists during its broadcast including Jonathan McReynolds, JJ Hairston and Latice Crawford.

Amongst the 5 Stellar Award wins, eOne cemented the major categories Male Vocalist of the Year and Choir of the Year (full list below). During the telecast Jonathan McReynolds delivered a powerful performance of his #1 single “Grace” and his GRAMMY® winning single “Movin On” with Mali Music. JJ Hairston opened the show with his brand-new single “Great Jehovah” – impacting radio now. Latice Crawford, celebrated her new album release, The Cure, on the blue-carpet and she presented an award during the main telecast. Hitmaker, James Fortune, also presented on the main telecast, in celebration of his nomination and #1 single, “Nobody But Jesus (feat. Lisa Knowles-Smith).”

A complete list of Entertainment One’s wins can be seen below:
eOne’s 36th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Award Winners

Category #3 - MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
- Jonathan McReynolds; People; eOne Music

CATEGORY #8 - CHOIR OF THE YEAR
- JJ Hairston; Not Holding Back; JamesTown Music / eOne Music

CATEGORY #9 - PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
- Jonathan McReynolds, Darryl “LiLMaN” Howell & Rogest “Rosco” Carstarphen, Jr.; People; eOne Music

CATEGORY #12 - CONTEMPORARY MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
- Jonathan McReynolds; People; eOne Music

CATEGORY #21 - CONTEMPORARY CHOIR OF THE YEAR
- JJ Hairston; Not Holding Back; JamesTown Music / eOne Music

​Photo Credit: Photography By Gip III for Central City Productions

​Photo Credit: Photography By Gip III for Central City Productions