Features

The Ru Report #125

Comeback Trail
Comic powerhouse Wanda Sykes may have been down--with the abrupt cancellation of her self-styled FOX-TV show last fall--but she's sure is not out.

The fast-talking funny-woman has inked a lucrative six-episode commitment deal for a yet-to-be-titled weekly series that will air on Comedy Central this fall. Ms. Sykes will star and executive produce the series, focusing on her real-life attempts to do everyday jobs outside show business. The show finds her performing real jobs with an "I can do that" attitude. The way into each job might be based on a problem that she encounters in her real life. Weekly episodes may find Ms. Sykes installing cable television or even performing minor surgery.

"Comedy Central is like the boyfriend or girlfriend who's always there," says Ms. Sykes. "You can go out and cheat on them with another network, and get jilted, and come back to them and they'll still take you in. Dave Chappelle, Colin Quinn, Jon Stewart, me, we've all messed around on [them] and they always welcome us back with open arms. They're my favorite co-dependent network."

Ms. Sykes, an alum of HBO's Emmy Award-winning former variety series "The Chris Rock Show," has had a long-standing relationship with the basic cable network. Her past collaborations included her successful one-hour stand-up special, "Wanda Sykes: Tongue Untied," as well as starring in her own, "Comedy Central Presents" half-hour special. She also hosted the stand-up series, "Premium Blend," and lent her voice to the network's hit series "Crank Yankers."

Her film appearances in comedies such as, Nutty Professor II: The Klumps, Down To Earth and Pootie Tang. She wrote, produced and starred in the short-lived Wanda At Large but has a recurring role on the hilarious HBO series Larry David's "Curb Your Enthusiasm." She also commentates for "Inside The NFL."

"Wanda is known for telling it like it is with her no-holds-barred, smart-witted comedy and we're thrilled with the potential of having her on the network on a weekly basis," said Lauren Corrao, the network's senior vice president original programming and head of development, upon making her announcement this week in New York.

More Than 'Business' As Usual
The eagerly anticipated sequel to 2002's near $80-million box-office comedy, Barbershop, will open this weekend, and should do quite well for the flourishing franchise--which may turn out to be a TV series.

Directed by How Stella Got Her Groove Back auteur Kevin Rodney Sullivan, Barbershop 2: Back In Business, is a movie that stands on its own accord. Unlike last year's much hyped and poorly reviewed sequels--Legally Blonde 2, Terminator 3 and Jeepers Creepers II--the new urban comedy avoid the cookie-cutter archetype, and focuses on its own uniqueness and individuality.

Starring the stellar cast from the first film--Ice Cube, Cedric The Entertainer, Eve, Michael Ealy, Sean Patrick Thomas, Troy Garity, and Leonard Earl Howze--and introducing new characters played by Queen Latifah, Kenan Thompson and Harry Lenix, clocking in under 100 minutes, this movie is the very first feel-good, comedy of the year. It's must-see cinema for fans of the first flick and neophytes, alike.

It's thrilling to report that, surprisingly, the marketers of Barbershop 2 are not just stopping at cracking up--or perhaps even infuriating--audiences. There are some noteworthy campaign tie-ins targeted to the film's African American audience.

And no. I'm not referring to the widely advertised Popeye's Sweepstakes, either.

While in Los Angeles last weekend to bask in the essence of all things Barbershop--and get a sneak peek of the finished project--The Ru Report got a chance to hang out with and talk to some of the film's cast members.

We also got a chance to learn about another great initiative involving the marketing of the film.

The Prostate Net, a 501(c)3 non-profit education and advocacy organization

focused on the fight against prostate cancer, recently formed an alliance with MGM Studios to utilize Barbershop 2 as part of a national initiative to change the dynamics of negative impact on minority communities through education and intervention.

February isn't only recognized as Black History Month. It's also National Cancer Prevention Month and The Prostate Net has concluded that prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in African American and Latino men.

That's why an innovative barbershop community outreach campaign has gotten underway. Themed "Going to the Barbershop to Fight Cancer," the health awareness campaign urges men to get checked for prostate cancer and coincides with the film's release.

"We made a "cold" probe to [the studio] to present a "business proposal' that we believed would be mutually beneficial to both our business objectives," explains Virgil Simmons, a prostate cancer survivor and the organization's President and CEO. "We were able to convince them of the viability of our initiative and their participation in it."

Over the next few weeks, ethnic barbers in major cities across the country will participate in community health education sessions at local hospitals, learning important facts about prostate cancer from leading experts in the field, including information about warning signs and resources available at local medical centers. Armed with insight, the barbers will immediately begin a grassroots community battle to spread the word to their customers--urging them to take advantage of free screenings offered by local hospitals.

"Our association with the film provided an essential and initial catalyst to motivate the medical centers to accept our hypothesis for a new way of communicating with minority and medically underserved communities," Mr. Simmons continues. "We have generated significant market, consumer and media attention on the movie as a vehicle to spur the promotional campaign."

In addition to MGM, the program is supported by Aventis Oncology, American Airlines, Black Entertainment Television/BET, Abbott Laboratories Fund, Foundation for Medical Evaluation and Education, Cancer Informational Service of the National Cancer Institute, Capital Technology Information Services, Inc., National Black Leadership Initiative on Cancer, SurferNetwork Internet Radio and Celgene Corporation.

Mr. Simmons adds: "Our local partners have extended some of the creative umbrella that we have provided to build partnerships with local movie theatre operators, radio/TV stations and hospitals to increase awareness of the screening efforts, which in turn focus attention on the movie."

For more information on this worthy initiative, log onto: Prostate-online.org.

Some Sides
Yesterday (Feb. 5) was a big day for presentations. In Harlem, sports legend Muhammad Ali and his gorgeous daughter, boxing champ Laila Ali teamed up with NBA All-Star Guard Tracy McGrady to visit the Harlem Police Athletic League and announced a major commitment by adidas to New York City youth sports. The famous athletes also shared what inspired their success in and outside the arena and how they overcame adversity. Following the presentation, young people in attendance had the opportunity to participate in boxing and basketball clinics with The Alis and Mr. McGrady. Prior to the PAL event, father and daughter unveiled a giant three-paneled wallscape, located at 125th Street and Lenox Avenue in Harlem, as part of the launch of a major global advertising campaign for the sneaker company.

In Beverly Hills, multi-platinum-selling hip-pop stars Beyonce Knowles, Alicia Keys and Missy Elliott joined together to announce their much anticipated spring tour. The Grammy Award-winning femme fatales will take their star-power on a tour of more than twenty cities, presented by Verizon, starting March 12, 2004 in Ft. Lauderdale.

Later in the evening in La La Land, Los Angeles Mayor Jim Hahn presented basketball legend turned entrepreneur Earvin "Magic" Johnson and his Johnson Development Corporation with the City of Angels Corporate Award at the Getty House Foundation's annual Mardi Gras-themed awards ceremony. Jazz music personalities Dave Koz and Pat Prescott served as emcees for the event, which honored Los Angeles business and community leaders.

The Showtime Network is becoming the premier premium cable channel dedicated to diversity with its variety of balanced programming. In honor of Black History Month and its nominees for the "2003 NAACP Image Awards," Showtime has scheduled a special airing of its nominated movies "Deacons For Defense" (Feb. 10), "Jasper, Texas" (Feb. 11) and "Good Fences" (Feb. 12). Overall, Showtime received 16 NAACP Image Award nominations--the most received by any television network this year. Established more than 30 years ago, the NAACP Image Awards honor programs and individuals of all races who have helped promote "positive images of people of color." Well, some time. But I'm not even going to get into the whole R. Kelly controversy. This year's ceremony will be held on Saturday, March 6 at the Universal Amphitheater and will air on Fox on Thursday, March 11.

Finally. Another Latina beauty cops a major cosmetics contract. The phenomenal Salma Hayek just signed on the dotted line to become the new face of Avon. The world-renowned Oscar-nominated actress will serve as the spokesperson for Avon's flagship color and fragrance brands. Starting this fall, Ms. Hayek will begin appearing in print and television advertising for new color and fragrance launches, and will also be featured in the company's brochures, public relations and the Internet. "I have such respect for Avon as a world-class beauty leader, and for what the company has accomplished in providing economic and personal fulfillment to women all over the world," said Ms. Hayek in a statement released yesterday. "I'm very optimistic that in joining forces with Avon, we can truly make a difference to the important cause of domestic violence and bring hope and empowerment to women around the world." Additionally, the Avon Foundation and Ms. Hayek will partner in broadening the Foundation's domestic violence initiative. The Avon Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity founded in 1955 with the mission of championing the health and well being of women globally through philanthropic efforts.

Music Notes
Flossy music mogul Antonio "L.A." Reid's next chapter in his career may be named, "L.A. Confidential." The former Arista Records chief is rumored to have signed on the dotted line to head up a Universal Music Group-distributed hip-hop label (Island Def Jam) last week. And then he was reportedly off to Italy on a private retreat with specially invited guests--including his former high-ranking staffers from Arista. Mr. Reid, co-founder and former head of LaFace Records--once home to TLC, Toni Braxton, Usher and Pink--is expected to pick up where legendary rap mogul Lyor Cohen left off at Def Jam. Last week, it was announced that Mr. Cohen would head up the Warner Music Group. Mr. Reid will become Chairman & CEO, reportedly in a three-year, multi-million dollar agreement. The folks at Def Jam are being mum, for obvious reasons.

R&B superdiva Patti LaBelle may finally get her just desserts with this year's "Divas Live" festivities. An inside source over at Viacom tells The Ru Report that producers of the annual VH1 fund-raising concert special--named "VH1 Divas," this year--have formulated a "working list" of top-notch female performers and Ms. LaBelle is at the top of the confirmed list. It's about time. This year's seventh annual 'Divas' event will air live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on April 18 at 9:00 pm. Now every Shakira, Jewel and Nelly Furtado have appeared on previous shows--which showcases the phenomenal talent and spirit of legendary singers like Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Shania Twain, Gloria Estefan Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder and Elton John. Although her spokesperson was not available for comment at press-time, the 40-year music veteran isn't the only 'diva' on the confirmed list. Gladys Knight, Jessica Simpson and soul newcomer Joss Stone have been mentioned too. The "Divas" specials raise funds for the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring instrumental music programs in America's public schools, and to raising awareness of the positive impact that music participation has on students. Since VH1 Save The Music was created in 1997, more than $25 million worth of musical instruments has been donated to 1000 public schools in 80 cities, improving the lives of more than 500,000 children. A pending list of hopefuls include headline grabbers Janet Jackson, Britney Spears and George Michael. Alicia Keys, Cyndi Lauper and Norah Jones are also expected to be approached. Performers, presenters, and special guests will be announced as they are confirmed.

Rap impresario Russell Simmons is unstoppable. He's doing great work getting the hip-hop community across the country involved in the political process. Now comes word that he's embarking on a radio endeavor. Dr. Laura, Bill O'Reilly and Howard Stern beware. X Radio Networks is on board to nationally syndicate "Russell Simmons' Hip-Hop Laws of Success," described as a new vignette/commentary program distributed daily Monday through Sunday. Episodes will feature Simmons' commentary and messages for success on issues in culture, business, politics, personal development and entertainment, along with conversations with prominent artists/celebrities, and profiles of influential people on the national stage. "There are unbreakable laws that govern success," said Mr. Simmons in a statement. "Our show will examine those laws." A true icon of success and fulfillment of the American Dream, Mr. Simmons has successfully built a multifaceted business empire which has included Def Jam Records, Phat Farm and Baby Phat clothing; Simmons Lathan Media Group, UniRush Financial Services, DefCon3 beverages and One World magazine. The radio opportunity will serve as a prelude to the Fall 2004 release of a "Hip-Hop Laws of Success" documentary and book as part of his 'Higher Self Series' aimed at inspirational programming for the 45 million-plus members of the hip-hop community. Work!

The Sean "Puffy" Combs-produced New Edition comeback album project isn't on the Universal Records roster for release this year, but on March 2, fans will be able to enjoy the new compilation HITS. Spanning the years 1984 to 1996 and featuring 17 tracks, each digitally re-mastered from the original singles masters, HITS will include all 16 of New Edition's R&B Top 10s, among them all four of their #1 smashes ("Cool It Now," "Mr. Telephone Man," "Can You Stand The Rain" and "Hit Me Off"), plus one Top 20. Ten tracks have never before been heard on any New Edition compilation. Two of those--"Once In A Lifetime Groove" and "Helplessly In Love"--were recorded for films (Running Scared and Dragnet, respectively) and have never before appeared on any New Edition album. The package will also feature a booklet filled with rare photos from throughout the group's career. In addition, the booklet reveals how to access on the CD a hidden welcome message to fans from group spokesman Michael Bivins.

Notable/Quotable (s)
"It's my hair. I don't have a stylist! It's just the way I've combed it for long time! Many people think, 'Why don't you change it?" But it's been lucky for me."
--Billionaire tycoon and reality TV star Donald Trump on his peculiar coif.

"That's why I'm funny. It's a defense mechanism."
--Comedian Tracy Morgan on his strength and survival.

"I used to. In the '70s…It's nothing to be embarrassed about."
--Rock music legend Rod Stewart, regarding wearing women's underwear.

"I don't dislike him…I feel sorry for him more than anything else. I feel sorry that he didn't have more of a normal life. And that somewhere along the line, as an adult, someone didn't, you know, as we used to say, smack him upside the head and say, 'Michael, you can't do this.'
--Esteemed newsman Ed Bradley on Michael Jackson.

It feels just like I'm walking on broken glass.

Message Karu F Daniels or email him directly at therureport@aol.com

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