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#32 JAWN'S JUICE / OCTOBER 22, 2002

BET’s Walk Of Fame, Meet Jazsmin Lewis, Usher, Jaheim, Sanaa Lathan, Tweet and so much more …
by Jawn Murray (Washington, DC)
Jazsmin Lewis
(Oct. 22, 2002) Meet Jazsmin Lewis: Just call Jazsmin Lewis Hollywood’s triple threat. This bi-racial beauty is an actress, musician, and trained dancer whose career is catching fire. With her current role in “Barbershop,” her upcoming film “Deliver Us From Eva,” and a slew of other film and television work under her belt, it’s no wonder why this stunning actress is making her mark in Hollywood.

Though she is multifaceted, Jazsmin does have her preferences when it comes to her career. “Acting and producing is my passion,” admitted Jazsmin, as we snacked on appetizers at the Beverly Hills Four Seasons Hotel. “I love music. I grew up doing music, but I don’t like the music business. I try not to talk about my music career that much because I did it for so long, and it almost overshadows my acting career, which is very new.”

Before transitioning into acting, Jazsmin toured with artists like Prince, Mavis Staples, the Bar-Kays, and Roger Troutman and Zapp, as a bass player and a vocalist. One would think that Jazsmin, known in music circles as “the little girl with the big voice,” would be interested in recording her own album.. “I have no desire to be an artist,” expressed Jazsmin. “I loved doing background vocals and loved touring as a musician because I get to do music without the politics. I didn’t have worry about all of the weight being on my shoulders, the show was not on my shoulders, and I got to play, I got to sing, and I got to leave. I have no desire to record on my own.”

As a budding actress, a stint with theater would seem inevitable for Jazsmin. “I really don’t want to do Broadway at this point. I’m sure that I will, and I will probably gravitate to that later. Right now, I really like film,” she says.

Jazsmin enjoys film so much that she created her own production company Feline Entertainment to generate her own projects. “I started Feline about four months after I got my first acting job, which came one week after I got into the business. I saw really quickly that, I will work, and I worked a lot and did a lot of television, but I wasn’t really doing characters that I really wanted to do. I was doing what was there, and what was there really wasn’t good for me at the time. So I said, how do I create my own characters? Someone said to me that I have to produce [it]. So I found out what they were and I started from there,” said Jazsmin. So far, the aggressive entrepreneur has produced 10 short films, two features, and currently has her third feature film in production.

Before film, Jazsmin worked primarily in television. She starred as the sexy Venita Stansburuy on the UPN sitcom “Good News.” “Good News” was great,” exclaimed Jazsmin. “It was a show that should not have been taken off of the air. When the CEO [of a company] changes, he gets rid of all of the shows that the prior CEO had. When Mike Sullivan [left] they got rid of “In The House,” “Sparks,” and all of it went all at once. It was a young “Amen” by the same executive producer, Ed Weinberger, who is a television legend.”

The talented actress also worked on numerous other shows including “Baywatch Nights,” “Martin,” and “The Wayans Brothers,” just to name a few. Of all of her television guest spots, Jazsmin has a few she favored. “I liked doing ‘Marshall Law’ because I got to meet Arsenio Hall and we became friends. He was fun and I got to be athletic, which is what I like to do. I got to do my own stunts and it was as close to film as I was getting at the time and I liked that. It was a good experience,” said Jazsmin. “I liked “Living Single” and “For Your Love” because I liked working with Yvette Lee Bowser. She’s amazing! She is the type of executive producer that hires actors that she trusts. If you say, ‘I don’t feel this, let me try this,’ she says, ‘okay.’ Not many people do that.”

While Jazsmin enjoys TV, film is definitely where her heart is. “I really prefer film! I started in television and I made a great living in television, but I think I am more of a film actor because I prefer being smaller and more subtle,” admitted the regular roller blader.

In the film “Barbershop,” which stars Ice Cube, Cedric The Entertainer, Eve, Sean Patrick Thomas, Michael Ealy, among others, Jazsmin plays the wife of Ice Cube’s character. “It was a great experience [shooting “Barbershop”]. We shot it in Chicago and the cast all stayed together in the same hotel. Our cast was truly an ensemble cast and we all bonded like family. We all got really close to each other, really. Working with Tim Story, he was a newer director but he was very, very good. He’s really going to grow in to something special. People at the helm like [producers] Bob Teitel and George Tillman Jr. (both responsible for “Soul Food” and “Men of Honor”), you can’t really get any better than that, and that kind of trickled down through everything.” Hopefully, Jazsmin will return for the sequel of “Barbershop,” since recent reports indicate a deal for it was just done.

Her next big role will be in “Deliver Us From Eva,” a romantic comedy that stars LL Cool J, Gabrielle Union, Mel Jackson, Kym Whitley, and others. “It’s a funny movie and it’s sweet. It comes out in February and it’s right for that time of year. I play LL Cool J’s character’s girlfriend who ends up getting rid of him and becomes a lesbian. So that was fun and it was different,” said Jazsmin.

Besides being an actress, musician, and a dancer, Jazsmin is also a competitive gymnast, something she began at the tender young age of three. If that’s not enough, the stunning actress is also a professional horse trainer and competitive rider. “Horses are still a passion,” exclaimed Jazsmin. Talk about versatility!

For more on Jazsmin and her upcoming projects, visit her online at JazsminLewis.com.

~~~

BET’s Walk Of Fame: BET held its eighth annual Walk of Fame celebration this past Saturday in Washington, DC. The celebration honored a man called the Eight Wonder of the World, Stevie Wonder. A bevy of superstars came out to celebrate the musical genius of Wonder and his significant contributions to modern music.

The evening began with a cocktail reception before everyone piled into the BET studio where the taping was held. Free and A.J. of “106th & Park” prepped the audience before the show’s host, Jamie Foxx, got the show started with a parody performance. Among those performing Wonder’s hits were Dru Hill, Jill Scott, Gerald Levert, Gerald Albright, Brian McKnight, Musiq, Mariah Carey, K-Ci & JoJo, Chante Moore, Roy Hargrove, Ja Rule, Eric Clapton, Kim Burrell, Fred Hammond, India.Arie, and Kelly Price. R&B; veteran Patrice Rushen was the band director for the show. Jamie Foxx kept the crowd in stitches in between performances and you’ll probably hear BET (bleep) at least two of Jamie’s lines during the night, as several cuss words just kind of rolled off of his tongue. Stevie closed the show out with an incredible performance of his own.

Among the other notables who attended the Walk of Fame were the extremely personable Wesley Snipes, actor Leon, Minister Louis Farrakhan, soap star Lamman Rucker, former talk show host and BET talent Ananda Lewis, Motown president Kedar Massenburg, and my hanging partners for the evening, publicists Sidney Cooper and Priscilla Clark.. Also partaking in the festivities was BET’s Stephen Hill, Vicki Johnson, Butch Lewis, Bobette Gillette, J. N’Deye Walton, Veronica Hutchinson, Lyntina Townsend and the rest of the P.R. staff.

Random Notes: The Walk of Fame will be Dru Hill’s first nationally televised performance as a quintet. New member Scola is an incredible vocalist! The combination of Kelly Price and Gerald Levert made for an incredible duet. Said one attendee: “Have an awards show, have Gerald Levert!” The singer does seem to appear on every urban awards show and tribute program known to man. Ja Rule had the old-schoolers in attendance bobbing their heads, and his entourage had those in the pressroom catching a contact as they reeked of marijuana smoke. Justin Timberlake also was on hand to introduce Mariah Carey’s performance. After Musiq performed, he asked Wonder if he liked it and he responded, “I liked-teded it!” Both Chaka Khan and Elton John appeared via videotape tributes. Said Chaka: “I wanted to be there but I’m working and I couldn’t get out of it without a lawsuit.”

India.Arie and her boyfriend made quite an entrance into the after party doing a sequenced dance to Digital Underground’s “Humpty Dance.” The two danced along with her mother on the dance floor and seemed quite happy. I was a bit disturbed that her big, burly bodyguard stood directly next to her on the dance floor and was a bit aggressive with one young lady who attempted to approach India. This wasn’t a fan-based event, instead a gathering of artists, entertainers, and industry people joined together to celebrate Wonder. K-Ci & JoJo, Chante Moore, Wesley Snipes, and most of the other stars who attended the post party roamed without bodyguards. It didn’t reflect well on the seven-time Grammy nominee.

Surprisingly absent from the festivities was Glenn Lewis, whom Wonder adores. During the press conference for the Walk of Fame, Wonder was asked about his opinion of Lewis. “Actually, Glenn and I had a really deep discussion. I said, ‘Glenn stop singing! Don’t do it anymore. I am losing money and the fans I had, they’re going away,” joked Wonder. “No, actually I like his singing a lot!” The two first met during Lewis visit to Wonder’s radio station in L.A. and have been close ever since.

I also caught up with BET President & COO Debra Lee and asked her who is up for consideration at next year’s Walk of Fame. "Oh I don’t know, it’s up in the air, I’ll put my foot in my mouth if I speak too early,” said Lee. “Last year, right after Patti Labelle, they said who could top Patti and I said Stevie Wonder. So I was on point last year. You know it’s going to be hard. There are a couple of great people out there we haven’t done yet. Aretha Franklin would be wonderful. James Brown and Prince, we’ve been talking about for a while, and Smokie Robinson. We’ve got a long way to go." I suggested Gladys Knight – whom I believe doesn’t get the accolades she is due – and Lee responded, "That’s another good one!" Expect me to be campaigning for Gladys Knight’s Walk of Fame award up until they decide who next year’s honoree will be.

Stevie Wonder’s Walk of Fame airs on BET on Tuesday, October 29th. Check your local listings for times.

~~~

Seagram’s Got Soul: I attended the Seagram’s Gin Live tour at the V.I.P Club in Washington, DC recently. The tour features Jaheim, Truth Hurts, and Biz Markie. The Biz started the show off by taking folks down memory lane, spinning classic hip-hop and R&B; tracks, and playing a medley of favorite television theme songs. Truth Hurts followed and performed numerous cuts from her debut Dr. Dre-produced album “Truthfully Speaking.” Backed by dancers, Truth was surprisingly a better performer live than I remember from various television performances. The audience really seemed receptive to her, despite being unfamiliar with many of the album tracks she sang. She closed her nearly six-song set with her hit single “Addictive.” The Biz returned following Truth and outdid himself by playing vintage R&B; songs like Tony Toni Tone’s “Just Me And You” and Lenny Williams “Cause I Love You.” Hands waved, heads leaned back, and people in the packed club were hollering along with their favorite old-school slow jams.

After nearly 40-minutes of downtime, it seemed like Jaheim was about to take the stage. As restless as I was, I waited, only to be disappointed as some rapper, whose name I don’t recall, came onstage to perform first. He has appeared on several remixes of Jaheim’s hits. He did his three songs, to a lukewarm reception, only to receive applause from the women in the audience after taking off his shirt and showing off his chiseled chest. Finally, Jaheim began his set, backed by a full band. He opened with “Looking For Love,” a track off of his debut album “Ghetto Love.” By the time he got to his third song, his debut single “Could It Be,” I was asking myself could it be time for me to go. By then I was tired and irritable, and besides, the fine little shorty I had with me had on some stilettos that were killing her feet. I wish I could have stuck around to hear his new single “Fabulous,” from his anticipated sophomore effort “Still Ghetto,” but that’s what happens when a show starts extra late.

This was an overall decent show, with the highlight definitely being Biz Markie.

~~~

In and Out: Before heading over to the BET Walk of Fame celebration, I went with Vern Goff of Emerald City Communications to the For Sisters Only Expo sponsored by WPGC 95.5 in Washington, DC. One of Vern’s clients, Trish, is a background singer for Elektra recording artist Tweet. We arrived just in time to see Tweet perform. The sexy, chocolate singer was backed by a full band and performed nearly eight songs for the jam-packed convention center. She covered the hits – “Oops (Oh My),” “Call Me,” and “Smoking Cigarettes” – and even performed one of my favorite album cuts, “Boogie 2nite.” Can I tell you Tweet is one helluva performer!

Backstage I ran into Darrin Dewitt Henson of “Soul Food,” who was at the expo promoting his new calendars. I was surprised the actor/choreographer remembered me because it had been nearly a year since I had brunch with him at New York City’s Shark Bar Restaurant. Comedians Joe Torry and Talent were hanging out as well. We also caught up with gospel duo Mary Mary backstage. These singing sisters, who performed early that afternoon, are always sweet as pie, but they weren’t feeling too good, as both of them were severely hoarse. I was happy to see my old buddy Candy West, a former member of the gospel groups God’s Property, Kirk Franklin’s Nu Nation, and 1 Nation Crew. Candy, a spectacular singer and songwriter in her own right, was there because she now sings with Deborah Cox, who also performed at F.S.O. Church folks represented too, because I also realized that the other two Tweet background singers were members of Natalie Wilson’s SOP Chorale. We left just as LL Cool J was taking the stage and the women began to scream uncontrollably, but not before visiting the booth of the company that keeps me looking good, fashion company Aja Imani. We ran into Glynn Jackson, fashion correspondent for the Russ Parr Morning Show featuring Olivia Fox, as we headed for the door. Overall, For Sisters Only seemed to have been an enormous success.

~~~

Usher’s Birthday Bash: Pop’s self-proclaimed “Mr. Entertainment,” Usher, threw his birthday bash last week in Los Angeles. The masquerade party was held at the The Highlands and was attended by a who’s who list of Hollywood stars and recording artists. Nearly 1,000 people attended. Here’s an abbreviated look at Usher’s guest list:

In attendance was Chilli of TLC, Jamie Foxx, Vivica A. Fox, MTV veejay Christian Milian, Fox Sports’ John Salley, Bobby Brown, funk icon Rick James, Shaun Robinson (“Access Hollywood”), Wesley Jonathan (“What I Like About You”), pop group Dream, director Dave Meyers, J.Lo’s ex Cris Judd, David Alan Grier, Monica Calhoun (“The Best Man”), K-Ci of Ki-Ci & JoJo, Damon Wayans, choreographer Fatima, Tisha Campbell, Duane Martin, singer Jon B., Marri Morrow (“How To Be A Player”), Ashanti, Ja Rule, Alyssa Milano (“Who’s The Boss”), Jennifer Nicole Freeman (“My Wife and Kids”), MC Lyte, Gary Dourdan (“C.S.I.”), Sicily (“One On One”), Chante Moore, Kenny Lattimore, R&B; group Issys, producer Mike City, magicians Penn & Teller, Shaquille O'Neal, L.A. Reid, Nick Carter and multiple players from the L.A. Clippers. Even Lauryn Hill came out of seclusion and attended the party.

Usher also had real-life white wolves and black panthers in cages at the soiree. (Don’t let P.E.T.A. find out!)

~~~

Things That Make You Say Hmm?: “My mother told me she heard on the radio that I was married. I told her, ‘Mom, you’d be the first to know!’ I don’t talk about [Omar Epps]. I’ve learned through experience – personal experience and also through people who have put their relationships out there – nothing really good comes of it. It’s like, you can never do the person justice,” said actress Sanaa Lathan in the newest issue of Upscale magazine, in which she also graces the cover.

~~~

Can’t Say Names: What thugged-out R&B; singer was arrested recently in Atlanta, GA for causing a raucous at a hotel? According to sources, said singer had an altercation with a member of his entourage about some clothes and things got carried away. According to a hotel employee, a fellow employee had to call the police, who arrived on the scene and eventually arrested the northern-bred star. Organizers of the tour this star was on apparently posted the entertainer’s bond and he was able to make the next tour date. * Apparently, one half of an R&B; quartet bashed the other half of their former group during a recent interview promoting the duo’s upcoming album. Said one of the singers, “We don’t like them! Blood is thicker than water!” I guess that squashes the anticipation for their upcoming reunion effort.

~~~

Quickies:

~ Dreamworks artist Jerzee Monet (born Tanisha Monet Carie) gave birth to a healthy 7lb baby girl recently. The singer named her daughter Jerzee Monet.

~ Sources say there is drama brewing among the Def Jam group LovHer. The female quartet are protégés of Dru Hill’s Sisqo and hit the scene early in the year with their single “How It’s Gonna Be.” Due to lackluster response for their debut single, the group postponed the debut of their self-titled album – originally scheduled for release on September 24th – until some time next year. Rumors have now surfaced that one of the group members, Buttah, has exited the group. Buttah is a talented songwriter, who co-wrote a song for Yasmeen’s debut album, and she is supposedly now planning to go solo.

~ Actor Mekhi Phifer, who stars in the Eminem film “Eight Mile” and on the TV drama “E.R.,” has an affinity for sneakers. Mekhi loves sneakers so much that he now owns two Athletes Foot stores in the Los Angeles area.

~ Wesley Jonathan – former star of the NBC Saturday morning teen show “City Guys” – apparently has a hit on his hands with his new WB sitcom “What I Like About You,” which airs on Fridays at 8a.m. According to his rep, the show had the highest debut for a new show on Friday nights in the history of the WB Network. The sitcom also stars Jennie Garth (“Beverly Hills 90210”), Simon Rex (“Jack & Jill”), and Amanda Bynes (“The Amanda Show”).

~ I attended another BlackFilm.com event at the Lincoln Theater in Washington, DC recently. Headed up by a cool brother named Shelby Jones, the BlackFilm.com monthly movie events have become a popular shindig among DC and Baltimore-area movers and shakers. This month’s feature film was the independent thriller “Pandora’s Box,” which stars Monica Calhoun (“The Best Man”), model Tyson Beckford, Michael Jai White (“Spawn”), Joey Lawrence (“Blossom”), and Kristoff St. John (“Young & The Restless”). For more information on BlackFilm.com, visit them online. Hopefully, I’ll have more on “Pandora’s Box” in an upcoming issue of the Juice.

~ Special thanks to everyone who sent e-mails and called me after hearing about the crazy sniper shootings in the Washington, DC area. The shooting on Columbus Day was right up the street from my neighborhood in Falls Church, VA. Industry people are always asking me, “Where is Falls Church?” They know now! Please continue to keep the DC-area in your prayers.

~ 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.

~ They have dressed Free from “106th & Park,” Ruff Ryder's deejay Swizz Beats, Jaheim, and even lil’ old me. A special thanks to Aja Imani for keeping me looking good. 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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