In “Barbershop,” Michael plays Ricki, an ex-con with two strikes against him trying to walk the straight and narrow. The warmhearted comedy, which also stars Ice Cube, Cedric The Entertainer, Eve, Sean Patrick Thomas, and Anthony Anderson, debuted in first place its first weekend at the box office with more than $21 million, according to studio estimates at press time.

Both the impressive performance at the box office and the rave reviews for his individual performance in the film has to make Michael excited about his move from New York City to Hollywood. "Oh hell yeah!" exclaimed the actor. Especially since it was the role in “Barbershop” that convinced him to relocate in the first place. " A friend of mine told me about the auditions for [“Barbershop”]. I came out [to Hollywood] for a couple of weeks to see what it was like. I called my manager to see if he could get me an appointment and he did. I met the casting director and she said she wanted me to meet the director [Tim Story]. Then, after I met Tim I knew I had to be out [in Hollywood]," said Michael.

While the thespian loves Hollywood, he is also grateful for the time he spent in New York. "New York was great, but it’s rough. If you ain’t ready for it you’ll get left behind," explained Michael. "In New York [your auditions] just get put on tape. Out here you can actually go in and meet the director and do it that way. I got a good track record [for securing roles] once I am in the room with people."

Michael recently landed a role in the upcoming HBO series “Baseball Wives.” Shooting for the series starts in October and the show is set to debut in March. The Silver Springs, MD native also appeared in the film “Kissing Jessica Stein,” where he played Greg, a delivery boy with a strong craving for sex, and in “Bad Company,” where he played G. Mo, the best friend to Chris Rock’s character Jack Hayes.

Of all of Michael’s roles, there is one in particular for which he gets the most recognition. “A lot of people recognize me for a role I did on “Soul Food,” says Michael who played Steve, a gay barber who worked in Bird’s salon, on the hit Showtime series. "It was great, man,” said Michael about his experience on “Soul Food.” “Rockmond Dunbar, the guy who plays Kenny, took me in real well. He took me in like he knew me forever. We had a good time. Vanessa Williams was sweet to me. We didn’t even work together but she came up to me one day and was like I saw some of your work and I think you’re during a fantastic job, keep up the good work."

Michael became smitten with acting during his last semester in college. "I went to University of Maryland and took and Intro to Acting class my final semester there, and that’s what made me decide to go to New York,” shared Michael. “When I got to New York I started taking classes there for about two and a half years and then I started working."

Michael began performing in tons of stage productions, including the Off-Broadway hits “Joe Fearless” and “Whoa Jack,” as well as other shows like “Split” and “Reality.” “My first three years in New York City I did nothing but theatre and a commercial every now and then, but the last two years in New York is when the television and film started happening,” said Michael. The talented actor recently returned to his theatrical roots by performing an evening of monologues from the Harlem Renaissance in Los Angeles with several other New York actors and his “Barbershop” co-star Leonard Earl Howze.

With the impact of “Barbershop,” it is inevitable that Michael’s level of celebrity will rise. Has the actor prepared himself for the possibilities of becoming a household name? "I’ve braced myself to the best of my ability,” offered Michael. “I don’t think you can prepare yourself for being in a drugstore buying some Tylenol and someone comes up to you and says, "Ricki, you’re Ricki!"

Hopefully, it will not be long before people approach the skilled actor and say, “Michael, you’re Michael!” With rumors of him being up for parts in both “The Fast and the Furious 2” and “Swat,” it may only be a matter of time before fans are recognizing him by name.

That’s not the focus for Michael, however. He’s more concerned with perfecting his craft and finding non-stereotypical roles. “I’m looking for roles that challenge me and have some type of interest,” expressed Michael. “Not just for me but for the audience. Roles that have an impact.” What type of roles would that be? “I wouldn’t mind playing Arthur Ashe,” he answered.

Though Michael’s character in “Barbershop” was that of a thug, he’s a thug gone straight. “I won’t play a senseless thug,” said Michael. “I had chances to do that in New York -- where they would just need a young black man to where FUBU and get beet up by the cops for no reason. I have no interest in that stuff. I passed on a lot of those auditions. We complain that there are no good roles for young black men. Well, let’s start writing some. Let’s start putting ourselves in a position where we can change that. One way is to stop taking everything that comes off the table. Some [actors], they got kids, they got a wife or whatever, they got to do what they got to do. I can respect that. I am not going to hate on them for that. It’s easy for me because I don’t have any responsibilities.”

Having integrity when it comes to acting is something Michael understands may limit fast money in Hollywood. “Some of the best advice I received since being out here was to concentrate on the work, and the money will come," he adds.

Great words to live by!

~~~

I’m Naming Names: Last week I wrote a blind item that went a little something like this, “What R&B;/Pop diva is pregnant with a pending album slated to drop before the year’s end? This is said diva’s second child, and record executives at her label are rumored to be frustrated as they have already begun the promotional campaign for her album which will most likely have to be postponed until after she gives birth.” Well, I’m here to tell you this week that it is indeed Toni Braxton that is pregnant. Yep, she and hubby Keri Lewis of Mint Condition are expecting their second child. Unfortunately, this may push back Toni’s upcoming album, which was slated for release around November.

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Oh, What A Week: The Congressional Black Caucus kicked off last week in Washington, DC and the political figures, business types, and entertainers all came to the Chocolate City with one thing in mind – well two – empowering African-Americans and partying. I began the Caucus events on September 11th by attending a brain trust on car crashes organized by African Americans on Wheels magazine and the Edward Davis Foundation. Among the speakers for that event included Congressman Bobby Rush, Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, actress Cee Cee Michaela, Tim and Daphne Reid, and several heads of major car companies like Volvo and DaimlerChrysler. My good friend, Vern Goff, helped to coordinate this event. Vern would end up being my hanging partner for most of the Caucus affairs. She had a limousine pick us up and we hit event after event each night. Wednesday evening, we attended a reception in honor of National Council of Negro Women icon Dr. Dorothy Height. The event was held at Dr. Height’s headquarters on Pennsylvania Avenue, and they served some of the best shrimp and chicken hors d’oeuvres I have ever tasted in my life. Soul veteran Jean Carne sang a medley of tunes including a rendition of “Hero” for Dr. Height in the form of “She-ro.” During Dr. Height’s speech, she said, “I am 90 years old and I know my days are numbered. Don’t worry though, I’m not planning on going anywhere any time soon. But when I do, I want Jean Carne to sing.” Organizers of the event and persons close to Dr. Height looked like they were about to faint as this respected woman was basically making requests for her own funeral. After leaving this reception, we headed up to Union Station for a gala sponsored by the National Negro Publishers Association. Major black journalists, publishers, and congressional dwellers dined on a lavish dinner and drank Coke floats while the shindig honored major players in the area of journalism. Will Downing provided the entertainment for the evening and performed a full concert featuring numerous hits and songs from his current set “Sensual Journey,” while the very pleasant Judge Greg Mathis, TV talent/nutritionist Dr. Ro, and Congresswoman Maxine Waters looked on.

Thursday I attended a brain trust on the economics of hip-hop organized by Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney. Panelists included Stephen Hill of BET, Olivia Fox of the Russ Parr Morning Show, and Cedric Muhammad of BlackElectorate.com, among others. The session was very informative and enlightening until some old fool made a comment about journalists being afraid to identify themselves. You know I handled that right? Then Olivia Fox got an ink pen stuck in her hair so I got a good laugh. That evening, gossip maven Flo Anthony waltzed into town and we headed over to Congressman Bobby Rush’s reception at the Grand Hyatt. This event was jammed packed and Yolanda Adams performed. Yolanda was in full concert for the affair and during her performance of “I Believe I Can Fly,” folks were putting down their glasses of wine and looking like they were going to break into a Pentecostal shout. Said one attendee: “She proves that you ain’t got to be no big ol’ woman to sing with power!” We left that event, hopped in the limo, and headed over to the Monarch Hotel for Congresswoman Waters’ party. Can I digress? I must say that Maxine Waters is one sexy woman! Her party was packed and when we arrived, Black people were up doing the electric slide as Alvin Jones deejayed. From there we went by the movie screening of Tim and Daphne Reid’s film “For Real.” We made it in time for the let-out.

Friday Congresswoman Waters held a brain trust on the economics of the entertainment industry. The panelists included hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons, Nu America Music’s Andre Harrell, the legendary Doug E. Fresh, “Soul Food” creator Felicia D. Henderson, and Def Jam President Kevin Lyles. Hanging out among the audience members was respected journalist and former “Real World” cast member Kevin Powell. When the congresswoman asked Lyles about his feelings on Pepsi ditching his artist Ludracris, he answered, “Why would I want to be with someone who doesn’t want to be with me? He got paid! I say f@*% ‘em!” There was great information exchanged at this forum. Friday evening, after hanging out in the lobby of the Grand Hyatt and running into entirely too many movers and shakers to name, we attended the annual fashion show given by the Congressional Black Caucus Spouses. The show was okay. Afterwards we hung out in the sports bar in the Hyatt. Former BET “Teen Summit” correspondent On Jam Fran was hanging out and came over to introduce herself to Flo Anthony. She said, “You’re Flo, the lady from the E! Network aren’t you?” But she was too embarrassed when I said, “And you’re On Jam Fran!” Thanks to the lady who mysteriously picked up our tab that night!

Saturday we attended the Annual Awards Dinner, a black-tie affair that began with a VIP reception. Eighties diva Alyson Williams performed during the Asian-themed reception. Both the reception and the dinner were held at the Convention Center. The dinner was so elegant. There were more than 800 tables covered in black linen, candles, fine china, and exotic floral centerpieces. Honorees included New York’s H. Carl McCall, Dallas Cowboy Emmitt Smith, the crowd-rousing Donna Brazile of the Democratic National Committee, Congresswoman Carrie Meek of Florida, the late Congressman Julian Dixon, AOL CEO Richard Parsons, American Express CEO Kenneth Chenault, and the Honorable Festus Mogae of Botswana whose speech was entirely too long. Among all of the congressional figures who attended the ceremony were actor Wesley Snipes, Radio One CEO Cathy Hughes, Minister Louis Farrakhan, actress Vivica A. Fox, boxing legend Muhammad Ali, and film producer Robert Townsend. The event was hosted by actor Morris Chestnut, actress Loretta Devine, Pastor Floyd Flake, and the Honorable Carol Moseley Braun. There were performances by Walt Whitman & The Soul Children of Chicago and harpist Jeff Majors. Former Vice President Al Gore – and the real elected U.S. President if the truth be told – gave a surprisingly candid, insightful, and incredibly funny keynote address. Rufus featuring Chaka Khan performed following the ceremony.

In closing, the CBC week was one to be remembered. Here are a few CBC “Can’t Say Names…” for you. What A-list Hollywood actress got so inebriated while partying at a local club that her limousine driver had to go in and carry her out? What celebrated cable news personality walked through the Convention Center with his nose in the air and wouldn’t speak to colleagues? What ticket-less fashion correspondent, marketing professional, and entertainment journalist was spotted taking the “Harriett Tubman route” (taking the freight elevator from the house keeping department down to the kitchen and through the models dressing area) to enter the CBC fashion show?

~~~

Too Embarrassing: My friend Gary Jenkins – better known as Lil’ G from the R&B; quintet Silk – asked me to stop by “Madea’s Family Reunion” which was in Washington, DC again, but this time for the last time. The show will wrap at the end of the year because playwright Tyler Perry, who also plays Madea, will began his newest installment of the “Madea” series, “Madea’s Class Reunion,” in January. For the fourth time I saw this play and for the fourth time I laughed like it was the first. I was sitting on the front row and actually laughed so hard during one portion of the play that the cast and the audience began laughing at me. Madea looked over and said, “Will you shut the hell up?” The crowd erupted in laughter. I wasn’t the only one who got called out though. Black folks being Black folks strolled in the play late and Madea lit into them. “Why the hell can’t Black folks be on time,” quipped Madea. “Sit down somewhere, sit down. Come in here moving all slow, waving and talking and stuff. Sit down, sit down! Someone told me Jesus was a Black man and I said, ‘No He wasn’t!’ They asked me why and I told them because He’s always on time!” To find out what remaining cities are left for the final dates of “Madea’s Family Reunion,” visit TylerPerry.com for details.

~~~

Bridging The Gap: I attended Sister 2 Sister magazine’s Intergenerational Awards on Tuesday September 10, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. The fourth annual awards show honored Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson with the Public Defender Champion Award. The awards luncheon was created by Sister 2 Sister publisher Jamie Foster-Brown to connect youth and hip-hoppers with politicians and business moguls in an effort to bridge the communication gap between Generation X’ers and the Baby Boomers. This year’s awards honored and paired BET President and Chief Operating Officer Debra L. Lee and rapper Lil’ Kim as sisters, and Michigan Congressman John Conyers, Jr. and Bones Thugs-N-Harmony member Bizzy Bone together as brothers. Past recipients of the You’re My Sister and You’re My Brother Awards include Mary J. Blige and The Honorable Alexis Herman, and Judge Greg Mathis and Bow Wow. This year’s awards were hosted by radio and TV personality Michel Wright and “Teen Summit” host Jay Cooper. Jive recording artist Syleena Johnson sang “Lift Every Voice And Sing,” in addition to another song from her upcoming album “Chapter 2: The Voice.” In addition to a host of major players in the entertainment game, among the other notables in attendance for the awards luncheon included Robert Townsend, actress Daphne Maxwell-Reid, gospel star Vanessa Williams, comedian Queen Aisha, actress Cee Cee Michaela, Congressman Bobby Rush, and Kenya Jordana James of Black Girl Magazine. Sister 2 Sister’s Intergenerational Awards are always a pleasant affair. Special thanks to the staff at Sister 2 Sister, Vern Goff of Emerald City Communications, and Robyn Ryland-Sanders of GQ Media & Public Relations.

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Things That Make You Say Hmm?: “By the way, it's perfect that Jacko thinks he's the artist of the millennium. The millennium is only two years old,” wrote flamboyant gossip columnist Michael Mustow in New York’s Village Voice about Michael Jackson’s acceptance speech at the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards.

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Can’t Say Names: What hip-hop superstar who just loves the girls got dissed by a Hollywood actress? Said rapper attempted to ‘holla’ at the film star at a Los Angeles-based restaurant and the actress snubbed him. When the rapper leaned over the table and practically begged the actress for her phone number, his diamond-studded medallion dangling from his platinum necklace hit the actress in the eye causing her to get a blood clot. His attempts to score still didn’t stop. The rapper got the actress’ phone number from her friend and he called excessively leaving her multiple messages imploring that she return his call. Said actress didn’t, and eventually the rapper got the message.

~~~

Quickies:

~ Special shout out to New York City radio personality Egypt at WBLS for always showing a brother some love! Unlike many radio personalities across the country, Egypt attributes all of my stories to me and gives me mad love during her midday broadcast.

~ Stellar Award winner Maurette Brown-Clark, who many are calling the Anita Baker of gospel music, is releasing her sophomore project “By His Grace” this week. The album, which hits stores on September 17th, features an appearance by Richard Smallwood Singers alumni Dottie Jones. The former Verity Records artist is now signed to AIR Gospel, which is also home to Dottie Peoples and Luther Barnes.

~ The Isley Brothers featuring Ron Isley is gearing up for the November 26th release of their not-yet-titled album. The group is still signed to Dreamworks Records and their last album, “Eternal,” was certified platinum.

~ Former Fugee member Wyclef Jean made his major feature film debut in “Shottas,” a Jamaican adaptation of the HBO series “Sopranos.” The film had its worldwide premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival last week. The producers of the film are still seeking a national distributor.

~ Chris Rock will release his Emmy award-winning standup movie “Bring The Pain” on DVD on October 1st. The DVD features an exclusive interview with Chris by award-winning author Nelson George, two music videos for "No Sex" and "Champagne," and the animated video for "Bad Phone Sex."

~ Thanks to Arch Wireless for providing my paging service. For more information on Arch Wireless, visit their website at Arch.com or call 888-534-1397.

~ Thanks to Aja Imani for providing my wardrobe. Aja Imani is located at 9244 East Hampton Drive, Suite #622, Capitol Heights, MD 20743. Contact them at 301-324-8300 or e-mail them at ajaimani@aol.com.

Well I’m Jawn and that’s your Juice! See you next week!

E-mail: GarekNews@hotmail.com

© 2002 Jawn’s Juice. All rights reserved worldwide. All information provided by Jawn’s Juice on this Internet site is for personal use only. No commercial exploitation of anything contained herein may take place without prior written permission from the column’s author Jawn Murray. Material contained herein may not be re-sold, loaned, hired, exchanged, bartered or in any other way re-distributed in any other manner whatsoever.

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