First pics of Beyonce in thriller “Obsessed”

Beyonce just came out with her movie Cadillac Records last week to little fanfare but will try her best to make it up in the upcoming thriller Obsessed which also stars Idris Elba and Ali Larter. Movie is about a successful professional man (Elba) with a beautiful wife (Beyonce) who finds his idyllic life threatened by a temp (Larter) in his office who reveals herself as a stalker.

Hmmmm Larter or Beyonce…tough one. Here are the first pics from the movie courtesy of Screen Gems and Sony Pictures. Is it just me or is Beyonce looking more and more like her mom every day? (rhetorical question). Movie comes out on Feb 27, 2009.

Lil Wayne gets top credits over Bow Wow in “Hurricane Season”

So what does that really mean in English you say? Well when you look at a movie poster, the studio always lists the main actors at the top of the poster…this is top billing credits. In Hollywood, getting top billing credits is HIGHLY political, especially when there are too many actors but not enough space on a movie poster.

So Lil Wayne will be making his major movie debut in the upcoming basketball movie Hurricane Season. See exclusive pics here. The movie also stars Forest Whitaker, Isaiah Washington and Bow Wow. Although Bow Wow has more screen time and experience in movies and film, Lil Wayne has managed to steal the spotlight and is given top billing credits over Bow Wow. So in the popularity contest of rappers, we now know what the studio thinks. Shad can’t be too thrilled about that.

That’s right. Hurricane Season is now the movie starring Forest Whitaker and Lil Wayne. An Academy Award winner with the winner of who can use the most Styrofoam cups. I didn’t believe it at first…until I saw the official title shown below. Props to Weezy and his agent. Now he can be top billin’ with an Academy Award winner.

Lil Wayne and Birdman in self-funded movie together

Birdman and Lil Wayne are releasing a movie with a similar buisiness model to 50 Cent’s self-funded movie Before I Self Destruct. Similar to 50’s movie, Birdman and Wayne are funding the movie Like Father, Like Son on their own, is more in the “amateur” street-style vs. glossy high production Hollywood and will be used as a marketing tool in conjunction with the release of a new album.

Birdman revealed on NY’s Power 105.1 “Me and Wayne just finished this movie — Like Father, Like Son — that’s coming out in June and the album coming out at the same time,” he said. “That’s what we do. Just me being myself. I just wanted to, it’s something we wanted to fund. It’s ours.”

As artists find it harder and harder to sell physical CDs, expect to see more trends like these “self-made” movies as added bonuses. It’s only a matter of time before another artist jumps on this. We’ll have more details on Like Father, Like Son as we get them.

A look at Kanye West the film and TV producer

Producing music was never enough for Kanye West. For the past three years now, Kanye has been aggressively been pursuing TV and movie deals that have him in producing and possibly directing roles. He had been in talks with HBO for the past couple of months in hopes of developing a “Curb Your Enthusiasm” type show for the premium cable network. Unfortunately due to a change in senior management strategy at HBO that project was just put on hold and shelved this week. When Kanye first developed the idea he even went as far to compare himself to “Curb” creator Larry David.

Larry recalls the first time he met Kanye.“What Kanye West said to me the first time, he said, ‘I’m the black Larry David.’ That’s the first thing he said to me. So it’s like a Kanye-and-’Curb’ show, it’s kind of improvised about the situations and stuff.” David then continued to add more details as to what happened to Kanye’s TV show. “It was really good, but … I think it was too hardcore for HBO.” Charles went on to say “People gave it a very good response and it seems to be on the shelf right now. The management has shifted at HBO so we’re waiting to see.”

Regardless, Kanye still will be entering the TV world. But instead of a Kanye-type “Curb Your Enthusiasm” he is bringing us a muppets gone hip-hop show called “Alligator Boots.” Check out a preview of that show here. On the movie front, Kanye originally had signed on with New Line Cinema for a production deal but since New Line was absorbed into parent company Warner Brothers, further progress has been halted.

It’s only a matter of time though before we see a Kanye West produced movie. He is aggressively trying to enter the market as a behind-the-scenes producer and director and his passion for film is easily shown in his music videos and concert tours which always push the boundaries of creativity. Rumors in Hollywood also have it that West’s manager Gee Roberson continues to take an increased role working with the William Morris Agency to get more and more TV and film projects for West. Considering “Love Lockdown,” maybe a romantic comedy is in the works.

Woooha

This Is Jim Jones [Movie Trailer]

“I Am Legend” prequel is now officially a Go

WoooHa, Inc. has been speculating that a prequel to the blockbuster Will Smith hit I Am Legend was being discussed since July and now it’s official. According to the Variety, Warner Bros has officially greenlit a prequel and Will Smith has signed on to reprise his role as Robert Neville. Even the director from the first movie is back as well.

As we predicted, the prequel will follow Neville in the last days before and after the man-made virus kills and mutates New York City. It will add depth and storyline to the series of flashbacks from the first film including how the virus mutated from cancer curing to death causing. A sequel was considered, but due to the flashback elements of the first film, a prequel was a natural fit.

Curtis to Self-Destruct on Film

During a recent conversation with Rolling Stone, Curtis revealed some details about the movie he is working on to coincide with his final album on Interscope, Before I Self Destruct.

The film — which isn’t autobiographical — aims to show the complexities of what 50 refers to as “urban life” in a new way: “When [movies] portray certain lifestyles they don’t show cause and effect,” he says. “But I showed characters under pressure in scenarios where they felt like there were no other options, even though there were.” He adds, “There are always options. People just usually start to see them while being incarcerated — for not seeing them in the first place.”

It also seems that Boo Boo is doing whatever he has to do to make sure Jimmy Iovine eats as little as possible from this project. Rather than scoring the film, which will also be called Before I Self Destruct, with music from the album, he’s writing an entirely separate score and bringing in unsigned artists to spit the vocals.

A scene straight from “Saw V"

Once again beware…these torture contraptions are pretty hardcore. I’d rather listen to a two speech by Sarah Palin than get stuck in this thing.

Will Smith once a Fresh Prince, now confirmed as “The Last Pharaoh”

Rumors of Will Smith playing an Egyptian Pharaoh in his next movie are now confirmed true. Smith will star in The Last Pharaoh as Taharqa who became infamous for defending ancient Egypt against invasions by the Assyrian king Esarhaddon. The film will focus on the charachter of Taharqa as he prepares to battle against all odds.

Industry insiders say the budget and scope of the film will be similar to other epic war movies such as Kingdom of Heaven and Troy. Infact the screenwriter of Braveheart is currently working on revisions of the script. Film will be produced by Smith’s own production company Overbrook and would mark the first “historical epic” film to his resume.

Bow Wow makes sex scene appearance tonight in premiere of “Entourage”

“Entourage” is finally back on the air with the season premiere tonight on HBO. Vince, Eric, Turtle, Ari and Drama are all back for a fifth season that kicks off with a guest appearance by Shad Moss AKA Bow Wow. Earlier last month Bow Wow told the press that his scene in the TV show is actually a sex scene with a pornstar.

“It was with a porn star. I don’t know her name,” stated Bow Wow. “She probably watching this like, ‘What?! I did a scene with him, and he doesn’t remember my name?!’ I was cool…”

For Bow Wow this is just one of many attempts at staying true to his word of retiring from the rap game to become the next Will Smith of acting. Here is a shot of Bow Wow on the set of “Entourage” with Vince’s manager E. “Entourage” premieres tonight on HBO 10pm.

Belly 2 (Starring The Game) [Full Film]

Prequel to "I Am Legend" talks resurface

During this past weekend's San Diego Comic Con, I Am Legend director Francis Lawrence revealed he has plans to make a prequel to the blockbuster movie that would have Will Smith back in his role as Dr. Robert Neville. While the plot and script are still in development and Smith is by no means attached to the prequel yet, it would definitely be another sure hit for Smith who is just coming off of $380 million in box office dollars for Hancock.

For those who remember, I Am Legend fills the back story of the virus and Neville's quest to stop it through a series of flashbacks. However, the main focus of the movie was set on Neville's isolation and dealing with living alone and less about the causes and effects of the virus. A prequel though would focus more on the virus, evacuation of the cities and transformation of the "mutated." Is there enough back story here for people to care or is this just another sure way for Hollywood players to ride the success of Will?

T.I. Discusses Paper Trail & New Movie

T.I. is back with a highly anticipated new LP, Paper Trail. With the new LP dropping in early September, T.I. recently spoke on what people can expect from the album and how intense the making of the LP was. After going through his fair share of tribulations and run ins with the law, T.I. sat down to make what he calls "me at my best."

“I just want everyone to know that it’s coming out and that I’m going to answer a lot of questions in the music," he said via press release. "It’s intense and insightful; it’s gonna shake up the game and it’s me at my best.”

“No Matter What,” is already out and has garnered some buzz and acclaim for its personal nature. That track is seen as a "street record" and even though it has a video to go along with it, is not considered to be this album's first official single. For that, T.I. turned to "Whatever You Like." Swizz Beatz, DJ Toomp and Drumma Boy all add to the instrumentation of the album.

That's not all. Fans may recall T.I. had a promising acting career before he was arrested. He starred alongside Denzel Washington in the critically acclaimed and commercially successful American Gangster and has acted as a star in other films such as ATL. Now, he will be in a new film, titled Bone Deep.

According to the Internet Movie Database, Bone Deep is a film about bank robbers scheduled to be out in 2009 that already features Matt Dillon and Chris Brown. Aside from this role, expect to see T.I. hit the silver screen as he will have a cameo appearance on Entourage and he will have his very own MTV reality show that is said to be "inspirational" according to his release. It will be focusing on his life on parole.

T.I.'s Paper Trail is scheduled to drop September 9.

HipHopDx

First offical photo of "Soul Men"

Here is the first official photo of the upcoming comedy Soul Men starring Sam Jackson, Bernie Mac, ?uestlove and John Legend. Movie is is about two former bandmates (Jackson and Mac) forced to reunite when a third member (Legend) passes away. The pair fight with each other all the way across the country when they're forced to take a road trip together for a reunion concert. Soul Men is directed by Malcolm D. Lee (Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins) and will be in theaters on November 14, 2008.

Woohah!

Hancock To Gross $100 Milli

My nigga Will Smith has done it again. The West Philly/Overbrook rapper turned actor best known for numerous summer blockbusters is on pace to take in $100 million during the first week of his latest anti-hero movie, Hancock.

Opening day figures for the film—which has garnered mixed reviews from critics—grossed an estimated $40 million dollars coming into July 4. In addition to another big opener for Smith, he’s gotten other uses out of his Hancock character, and the suit worn in the movie.

"I took the suit home and my wife and I use it sometimes,” he says of the costume. “Just around the house. It's great." Hancock strays from the norm by offering up a hero cut from a different cloth than the Superman’s and Batman’s of the comic world.

"I loved the idea of an alcoholic, nihilistic, subversive superhero, fighting crime drunk," says the film’s director Peter Berg.

I watched this movie during the week and well although it wasnt bad it wasnt the best movie I seen in my life. It did have alot of funny scenes though. For those out there that watched this movie, I hope you stayed through the credits to see Mike Epps 1 minute clip with Hancock.

Lil Wayne's Upcoming Film Focus On His Hometown, New Orleans

For now, Lil Wayne doesn't have aspirations to be a full-time actor, but he definitely was happy to score a role in the new film "Hurricane Season." The movie centers on a New Orleans high school basketball team called the Patriots in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

"My character's name is Lamont," Wayne explained while sitting on the set in the middle of a gymnasium. "The character is, I would say, a hustler. He goes to the school. He always bets against the school. He's trying to make the best bet. Anything to get money. He sells shoes. ... Towards the end of the movie, he makes his way to becoming a full-blown Patriots fan and representing the school he's with. He enjoys the Patriots as much as everybody else at the end of the day."

The film also stars Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker, as well as Wayne's longtime friend Bow Wow. While Bow will tell you that his priorities have changed from music to films, Weezy is fully enthralled with his microphone.

"If it comes around, it's cool," Wayne said about future Hollywood parts, noting the differences between acting and making music. "I'm not going to be trying out for no roles. I'm not going to be at castings."

Wayne did say he is enjoying making the movie and loves the fact that it actually is being filmed in New Orleans. And one of Tha Carter III's most stirring moments comes via "Tie My Hands," a musical commentary on his hometown that features Robin Thicke.

"I'm just speaking about the city in general," he said of the track. "How we were before the hurricane and how we are after. [I'm saying] everything about the city that somebody that's not from here can't do. I'm from here, born and raised. Telling them what I think about the situation. The way this movie ties into it is that I think the song is positive and gives motivation."

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T.I. Tripples His Worth W/ New Movie Deal , Continues Concert Run

Atlanta rapper T.I. continues his growing list of big movie roles as he has just signed a three-picture deal with Sony's Screen Gems.

According to Variety, Bone Deep is the first film to be released under the deal. The heist flick will feature the self-proclaimed "King of the South" alongside actors Matt Dillon and Idris Elba from "The Wire." Directed by John Luessenhop, the drama will be based in New York and center on a group of bank robbers attempting to pull off their final heist.

Tip's second film, Boulevard, is a drama still in development while the third picture has yet to be determined. T.I. has made a name for himself as he shared on-screen scenes with both Denzel Washington and Common in American Gangster as well as his feature film debut in ATL.

T.I. has been sentenced to a year in prison beginning in March 2009 for federal gun charges as well as other penalties including 1,500 hours of community service and up to three years probation. Despite these restrictions, Screen Gems continued their long-term investment with the rapper.

In related news, T.I. has continued to stay busy as he announced a set of nationwide concerts last month. The rapper has added several more dates, with the next event on June 6th in Washington, DC and continuing through to Denver and Baltimore on July 3rd and July 11th.

Its amazing how your stock goes up either when you die or when your going to jail. I mean he already was that nigga and now its a fact when he drops these 3 movies which will more then likely drop while he is in prison, his album sales port prison will be crazy. I mean dam he flipped the shit out of his upcoming prison deal with deal with Sony and not just a one movie script. I mean niggas like Denzel dont even do shit like that. I really dont expect TI deals to be anything more then $5 million tops for all three movies because he isnt that nigga yet. But yet in still thats just what I expect and we will never know the actual numbers.

Bun B - UGK 4 Life Trailer

The Next Hit (Feat. N.O.R.E, Rick Ross, Flo-Rida, & More) [Movie Trailer]

Cast: Lisa Turtle (Lark Voorhies), Fredro Starr, Rick Ross, Flo'Rida & Noreaga Supporting Cast: Poet, Lakeith, Nas-tee, Gorilla Tek & Trak 53.

Damon Dash Calls Jim Jones' Major Label Debut ''Classic''

Former Jay-Z business partner Damon Dash believes Harlem rapper Jim Jones has a hit on his hands with this next solo album.

Jones inked a lucrative deal with Columbia Records last year and longtime associate and Roc-A-Fella Records co-founder Damon Dash believes the Dipset Capo's major label debut may just be a "classic."

"He actually put together a pretty decent album, I think, better than the average and what people expected," Dame told Hot 97 personality Peter Rosenberg in a recent interview. "He's a pretty respected dude and he has a lot of swagger. I'ma be helping my man Jim out trying to take him as a brand and making sure he gets to capitalize off that."

Dash grew up with Jones and said he's known the Byrd Gang front man since Jimmy was six years old. But he hasn't always been so supportive of Jim's career.

"I told Jim not to rap because he's not a rapper," Dash admitted. "I looked at him like a business man. But he has enough swagger and personality to pull it off."

Jim Jones is currently working on his fourth studio album, the follow up to 2006's Hustler's P.O.M.E (Product of My Environment) which scored with the infectious hit single "Ballin."

"Through his practice and his relentless assault on making music, a record every day, he actually got pretty good," Dame said. "So his new album, I think he might have come up with a classic, and that's me saying that."

According to Dame, Jim has two movies in the works, a book and a Byrd Gang album coming out in June, in addition to his solo project on the way.

"I'm proud of him, for real," Dame said.

SOHH