OK, this movie is just not on my list of “must sees” but perhaps you could use this news…
Here’s some info from DC Livers about the premiere….LAWD JE DC is like me…
(BlackPressMagazine) – It felt like a scene from a movie. But in the end, it was more like a deleted scene that would only be seen on the director’s cut.
My coverage of the upcoming movie, “NOTORIOUS” starring Angela Bassett as Biggie’s mom Voletta Wallace, Jamal Woolard as Biggie and Naturi Naughton (Lil Kim) almost didn’t happen due to a series of unfortunate events. First, I’d had some drama with a bratty Fox Searchlight media relations rep earlier in the day, . He was downright nasty. It always amazes me how PR peons like John Maybee pimp the press for publicity and media coverage but treat us like they’re doing us a favor.
When I called to ask for directions, Johnny-Boy told me that there was some sort of mix up with credentialing and that he wasn’t going to fix it. Needless to say, we exchanged a few words. At first I thought about boycotting the event, but reality set in so reluctantly I made a couple of phone calls. Fifteen minutes later, I secured two of the coveted Black rectangular, gold-lettered tickets to the Notorious movie premiere. Next, I got lost in New York City and ended up at the wrong movie theater. I eventually found the Lincoln Square AMC 13 located at 68th and Broadway across the street from the famous Julliard school. But, I was late. As I arrived – by taxi not by limo – my worst nightmare was realized as I saw the blinding lights of photographers as they snapped photos of the arriving celebrities. My luck started to improve when I met Tony from The Source magazine who whisked me out of the cold and delivered me to the front door of the theater in the publication’s snazzy street van. He was really nice and thanks to him I got my second wind. I admit, it was weird being in The Source’s van after some of the articles I’ve written about its founder Dave Mays and the interview I did with former editor-in-chief Kim Osorio. But, Tony was a true professional and before I left he stocked me up with collector’s editions of Notorious Big editions of The Source.
I flashed my press badge, snapped a few quick shots on the red carpet. I was surprised to find that of all the people, I liked Sean “Diddy” Comb’s Black and white fashion statement the best. It takes a bold man to rock a striped shirt with a polka dot tie, but he pulled it off. Unlike Jay Z, who proved that he’s an old man with little left to offer so he decided to try to distract us with his ugly. It worked! Other celebs that made appearances were Biggie’s family including his son Christopher “CJ” Wallace, Jr. and wife Faith Evans, the entire J.U.N.I.O.R. Mafia camp minus Lil Kim, Jay Z and Beyonce, rappers Nas, Busta Rhymes, Ja Rule, Fabolous, Jadakiss, Ciara, Russell Simmons, Mary J Blige. The official After Party was held at The Roseland Ballroom which turned out a clever mix of 90s jams. Faith got on the microphone and thanked everyone for their love and support. She also mentioned his clothing line that is about to launch. Anyone who has read my column knows that I bore easily on the red carpet, so I headed to the side entrance for another angle. I prefer the randomness of using other exits because everyone on the red carpet ends up with the same cheesy photos. I caught up with a few BET executives, Angel aka The Booty Lady who poses butt-first on many of the hip hop magazines, a few cast members and some others.
Finally, I grabbed a few shots of the fans heading into the theater holding their Black gold ticket, but for some reason I felt let down. Johnny-Boy’s attitude was still pissing me off, so I gave one of my tickets away to a puppy-eyed Black journalist who also had an issue with Mr. Maybee and was forced to rock the sidelines. I sold the other ticket and skipped out to see Adam Sandler’s “Bedtime Stories.” After my nightmare of a night, I needed the laughs. But don’t worry, I’m not snubbing the movie altogether. I’m attending the Brooklyn premiere screening tonight in Biggie’s hometown. I promise, I will watch the movie until the end. Hopefully, Johnny-Boy won’t show his face and the night will be enjoyable for all.
Stay tuned to myspace.com/blackpress for our full “Three premieres in three days” report including photos, video and audio interviews from “Notorious” and “Paul Blart Mall Cop” tomorrow. For now, check out our interviews with J.U.N.I.O.R. Mafia member and Biggie’s “chick on the side,” Charli Baltimore at myspace.com/blackpress
“… I am only one woman. I own no TV stations, or Radio Stations or Newspapers. All I have is my voice, my spirit and the will to tell the truth. … Assata Shakur”
