Archives

ARCHIVES

All Hail "The Queen": Actress Helen Mirren Delivers the Performance of A Lifetime.

Monica Peters & Avant: Photo Gallery Updated.

Rev. Walt Baby Love Speaks His Mind, Forreal: Syndicated R&B Radio Show Host Talks About His New Book and Why He Got Fired from Chicago Radio. Click here to listen.

Superma's Pen: "THE QUEEN" is a must see film, Avant, Rev. Walt Baby Love, and more...

Superma's Pen, Sunday May 6, 2007, New York, NY: Actress Helen Mirren delivers a performance of lifetime in the film "The Queen" which centers around the death of Princess Diana. We truly see why she won the Oscar this year for Best Actress. Mirren's riveting performance as Queen Elizabeth will blow you away. The photos above are both Helen Mirren. The photo on the far right is her in character as Queen Elizabeth. Rent this film today. You won't be disappointed! Warning: Queen Elizabeth and the royals family's coldness and hatred toward Princess Diana in her death will send shivers up your spine.

Superma's Pen: March 30, 2007

"I've had more problems with Black people than other people"
......Rev. Walt Baby Love talking about his firing at a Chicago radio station.

Monica Peters /Superma's Pen, New York, March 30, 2007: Rev. Walt Baby love makes history with his syndicated R&B show "The Countdown" AND he opens up about the real reason he was fired from Chicago radio. We are experiencing some technical difficulty with the site, so we will have this great interview with Walt Baby Love posted on Monday April 2. Thank you for your patience. In the meantime, check out the interview with actor Clifton Davis. Listen to the exclusive interview with Clifton Davis. Don't forget to check out our Interview Archives as well.

Superma's Pen: March 9, 2007
Monica Peters and actress Kerry Washington!

Monica Peters /Superma's Pen, New York, March 28, 2007:

Hello everybody. Well, it's been a great two weeks. First, I got to have a sit down interview with actress Kerry Washington with a full audience of 100 or more movie goers, industry insiders, and notables at the Philadelphia premier and advanced screening of "I Think I Love My Wife." I got to interview Kerry "Inside the Actor's Studio" style. That was truly a great experience for me. The interview was somewhat indepth. She also revealed that she was a victim of sexual violence. Hopefully the interview will air on television (keeping my fingers crossed). If Kerry's name does not ring a bell, she starred in the Oscar nominated film "Ray" with Jamie Foxx. She played the role of Bea, his wife in the film. You may also know her from the "Last King of Scotland" in the role of Forest Whitaker's wife. In "I Think I Love My Wife" she plays the mistress of Chris Rock. "I Think I Love My Wife" is a great movie with lots of laughs! I recommend married couples, those in a relationship, and even mistresses watch this film. There is a valuable lesson to be learned.

Also, radio legend and syndicated radio show host, Rev. Walt "Baby" Love is coming to GritsnCheese.com. Actually the interview has already taken place. Walt is the host of the nationally syndicated R&B/Hip Hop Show "The Countdown" which is now in it's 24th year on the radio, as well as his syndicated gospel program, "Gospel Traxx." We talk about his new book "The Gospel According to Rev. Walt Baby Love" and the real reason he was fired from Chicago radio.

Love, Monica

Superma's Pen: February 16, 2007
Tyler Perry's: Daddy's Little Girl!

Monica Peters /Superma's Pen, New York, February 16, 2007: Tyler Perry's new film "Daddy's Little Girl" is a must see. I had the pleasure of watching this film and everything from the plot to the characters were phenomenal. Gabriel Union plays the uptight, sometimes stuck up, Ivy League educated lawyer who is always set up on awful blind dates by her girlfriends (One of her disastrous blind dates was with a 40-year-old aspiring rapper that had zero class, hilarious scene!). Throughout her frustration of finding a suitable boyfriend, she finds love with Idris Elba (Monty), whom is a chauffer fighting for custody of his three daughters. However his "rape" conviction makes things a little difficult and makes the film take some interesting twists and turns. Tasha Smith plays the negligent mother (Jennifer) who forces their young daughters to start selling drugs and follow the footsteps of her drug-dealing boyfriend. Smith did a great job. She was definitely the villain you loved to hate in the film.

One thing I like about the film is the diversity of the characters. The characters reflected the positive and negative people we often encounter or possibly know in real life. The only thing I found to be odd was the obvious "type casting", stereotypical images, and appearances of the Church women. But the world isn't perfect.

"Daddy's Little Girl" is a great feel good love story and family movie with a great plot. You won't even want to take a bathroom break or make a quick run to get some more popcorn. Great film. A must see!

-Monica

Superma's Pen: February 8, 2007
A Sad Week in Philadelphia

Monica Peters /Superma's Pen, New York/ February 8, 2007: As a poet and radio personality, I can say it has been a sad week for the Philadelphia music scene. The legendary music venue, Five Spot, which was the performing home to many mainstream and alternative artists including Jill Scott, Jaguar Wright, and Floetry, went up in flames last week. It was a place many underground and established artists would come to hone their craft or perform in raw rare form. Although many years have passed since the above artists have performed there, the Five Spot continued "to be the place to be" where many up and coming artists, and many celebrities would perform and come from around the world to get a glimpse of Philadelphia talent. There was always an open mic on any given night. All kinds of artists would sign up for the open mic, even those with major recording deals. The alternating house bands always consisted of musicians who were back in Philly from their various world tours with Janet Jackson, Jill, Musiq, or many other recording artists. You never knew what was going to happen or who you would see performing.

I performed there about four years ago via invitation as a poetry feature for an underground hip hop open mic hosted by The Roots. It was really nice to see established persons on the open mic list that night- just on the strength of sharpening their skills. One particular female rap artist/music producer by the name of Steph had toured Japan and has recently scored music for a McDonald's commercial spot currently airing nationwide.

As for me and poetry, some things I have to stay tight lipped about as some things are in the works. But for right now it's all things radio for me! Hmmm, I may just post a radio clip of me on XM Satellite radio. You all will get a laugh out of it.-Trust me.

OK...our feature 3 part interview with Clifton Davis is here. Also check out our new Interview Archives section. Gotta Run!

-Monica

Superma's Pen: February 2, 2007

Actor Cifton Davis: Peters and Davis discuss God, Kanye West, Blacks on TV, and more! Listen here. (if link is not working, click on "Feature Interview" tab on menu bar .)

PBS Television's NOVA Set to Honor Fisk University Professor!

Interview Archives: Monica Peters and hit filmmaker REL DOWDELL

Photo Gallery updated: Monica Peters and Ebony Magazine, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and more.

Superma's Pen: February 2, 2007
Clifton Davis Is Here! Listen to the exclusive interview.

New York, NY February 2, 2007: Well the long awaited Clifton Davis interview is here. I am grateful that this living legend and his wife took an hour out of their schedule to sit with me live in the studio on my radio show. Actor Clifton Davis talks about combining his faith with his career, being a minister, Kanye West, starring in the popular 80's sitcom Amen, the history of Blacks in Hollywood and whether there still getting paid, writing hit songs for the Jackson 5 and lots more. This is a whopping 3 part interview. This is an interview the entire family should listen to and will enjoy. Let the listening begin.(Or click on Feature Interview tab on menu bar if link does not work)

Interview Archives:
Hit Filmmaker Rel Dowdell "Train Ride"

A great interview is still a great interview. Listen to Monica Peters' interview with hit filmmaker Rel Dowdell, director of the film "Train Ride." Peters and Dowdell discuss everything from date rape, Esther Rolle's last starring role in his film, speaks his mind about the Wayans. Bros, the movie Soul Plane, and more. Check it out.

PBS Television's NOVA to Honor Fisk University Professor
Dr. Percy Lavon Julian
February 6, 2007 at 8PM

Tuesday Feb 6, 2007: PBS Television's NOVA will honor the life and memory of Dr. Percy Lavon Julian on February 6. Dr. Julian is one of the greatest scientists of the 20th century. Dr. Julian was discouraged from pursuing his education because of his color but he decided to push forward anyway. Where would the world be if he had allowed racism to deter him from pursuing his education? Every human being on the planet owes Dr. Percy Lavon Julian a tremendous amount of gratitude. Read more about Dr. Julian. Also listen to audio clips on NOVA! * February 6, 2007 at 8PM, PBS television will air the film “Forgotten Genius” which celebrates the life of Dr. Percy Lavon Julian.

......That's about all folks. Have a great Superbowl weekend.

-Monica Peters

OK...our feature 3 part interview with Clifton Davis is here. Also check out our new Interview Archives section. Gotta Run!

Gotta Run!

It feels good to get back into the swing of things. My interview with Clifton Davis will be posted this week. There has been some technical difficulty with uploading the file but it will be up soon. This is an interview that you will thoroughly enjoy!

I attended a screening last week of a great documentary called "HIP-HOP: Beyond Beats and Rhymes." I was blown away. The film by Byron Hurt takes a deep look at manhood in hip hop culture. In my opinion, the film is controversial, entertaining, and thought provoking. It addresses many of the contradictions in hip-hop. A film like this is much needed and long overdue. This film is a must see. "HIP- HOP: Beyond Beats and Rhymes" will air nationally Tuesday, February 20 at 10PM on PBS as part of their Emmy Award winning Independent Lens series. Check your local listings.

Check out the pic above of me and the original Dreamgirl, actress Sheryl Lee Ralph. For the young readers of Gritsncheese.com, Sheryl Lee Ralph played the role of Deena in the original Broadway version of Dreamgirls.

How do you like Whitney's new song?

THREE GREATS GONE TOO SOON

Bebe Moore Campbell, Ed Bradley, Gerald Levert

WE LOVE YOU

Superma's Pen (October 23, 2006)-Ebony Magazine
MONICA PETERS & EBONY MAGAZINE

Monica Peters Steps Out On The Town For Ebony Magazine's "TheTaste of Ebony"
Historic Event Celebrates Black Chefs From Around The World.
Written by Monica Peters
All Images by Kurt Flurt
Monica Peters and Linda Johnson Rice President, CEO of Ebony Magazine (l). Monica Peters takes time to pose for photo (middle). Monica Peters and Diddy's Mom, Janice Combs enjoying Taste of Ebony(right).

New York, NY, October 23, 2006: Monday night I had the honor of attending Ebony Magazine's "The Taste of Ebony" event. The Taste of Ebony celebrates the history and contributions of Blacks to the culinary arts. The invite only event celebrated and featured Black chefs, restaurants, and their dishes from around the world--including restaurants from as far as Johannesburg, South Africa.

The historic event featured and honored notable chefs including "The Queen of Creole Cuisine" 83- year -old Chef Leah Chase. Hurricane Katrina devastated Chef Chase’s New Orleans Dookey Chase restaurant, which is also a 65-year-old landmark establishment, last year.

Also on hand for the festivities were Sean "Diddy" Combs' mother Janice Combs (pictured above), and owner of Justin's Restaurant, Chef G. Garvin from TV One's "Turn Up The Heat", Chef Marcus Marcus Samuelsson, owner of Aquavit Restaurant in New York and star of Discovery Channel's Inner Chef television series, Chef Carl Redding, owner of Amy Ruth’s in Harlem, and so many more honorable chefs.

The Taste of Ebony event was a food lover's paradise. Food was in abundance with more than twenty-two featured dishes to taste and sample. Some great dishes on hand were Chef Keith Williams of BG's Restaurant seared scallops with spinach ravioli. Other great dishes on hand from various chefs were oxtail and yam croquettes with smokey barbeque, sweet potato cheese cake, curry coconut salmon, beer battered catfish, Budweiser grilled chicken wrapped in collard greens, jerk chicken, Baileys milk chocolate crunch, Jerk chicken, and lots more.

Reverend Al Sharpton stops by "The Taste of Ebony" Event
Rev. Al Sharpton (l) and Monica Peters (r)
*Image by Kurt Flurt

*Superma's Pen: Thursday December 7, 2006
Actor Clifton Davis Talks with Monica Peters
Monica Peters opens much needed dialogue,
filmmaker Rel Dowdell, and more

Actor Clifton Davis came by my radio show Sunday. It was a very insightful interview that was a breath of fresh air. We all know him from the 80's sitcom "Amen" as Rev. Reuben Gregory, "That's My Mama" and other popular shows. Clifton is a minister and also wrote the song "Never Can Say Goodbye" for the Jackson 5.

Clifton and I talked about everything from God, his successful acting career, the Black church and Hollywood, hip hop, Hurricane Katrina and lots more. Interview coming to GritsnCheese.com soon. Stay tuned. When you get a chance listen to the interview with filmmaker Rel Dowdell. He talks about date rape, gives advice to women, and a whole lot more. Rel Dowdell's hit film Train Ride was actress Esther Rolle's last film role before she passed.

Below is my post on the topic of "self proclaimed" Black leaders. This is a hot topic in the African American community. Whether you agree with my views or not, this is a discussion that needs to take place. Read below

Superma's Pen-Thursday November 9, 2006
Ed Bradley

Words cannot express how devastated I am to hear about Ed Bradley's passing. I will post an appropriate tribute to Ed soon. Right now I am just numb......Monica Peters

Ed Bradley passed away today.

We Mourn Your Passing Ed...You'll Be Missed

Legendary reporter and news correspondent for 60 minutes has succumbed to leukemia.
(1941-2006)

We love you Ed.

Supema's Pen: October 6, 2006
The Last King of Scotland
Written by Monica Peters
(Screening compliments of Reelblack)
Director Kevin MacDonald, Kerry Washington,and Forest Whitaker take time to pose for picture. (Los Angeles, CA)
Photo taken by Vince Bucci

Forest Whitaker deserves an Oscar for his performance as the Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in "The Last King of Scotland." Whitaker carries this film on his shoulders with his brilliant performance. His potrayal of the zany and at times mentally insane Idi Amin is fascinating. One aspect that may leave movie goers "empty" is the fact that the film does not address or give insight into the gravity of the genocide that took place under Amin's rule in the story line. The atrocities that took place in Uganda under Amin were focused on very little in the film. The film revolves around Amin's closest confidant and Scottish doctor, Nicholas Garrigan, (played by James McAvoy) being the hero in the story --while giving insight into the complex relationship between the two men.

If you are looking to learn about the history and the tragedy that took place in Uganda, then "The Last King of Scotland" may leave you somewhat unfulfilled. If you are looking for a heroic story about a courageous Scottish doctor, then "The Last King of Scotland" has accomplished it's mission.

Overall, this a great film. The story line is entertaining, intriguing, captivating, and at times humorous. You will not want to leave your seat for one second when watching this film.

Monica Peters reading emails from readers and fans.

September 29, 2006
George Michael "25 Live Tour"-Sells Out In Less Than Two Hours
....Disses George Bush and Tony Blair in Sexually Charged Animated Skit
Written by Monica Peters
Photo Credit: Manu Fernandez

Barcelona, Spain: Pop, Blue Eyed Soul singer George Michael is back on tour after fifteen years. His new tour sold out in less than two hours. Michael is also bringing the controversy on his tour with an animated sexually charged skit that disses Pres. George Bush and Tony Blair while Michael performs his song "Shoot the Dog."

A scene of the Michael concert has a huge blow-up balloon of George Bush on stage. Michael unzips the pants of the George Bush balloon figure and a bulging dog comes out of the pants draped in a British flag rubbing the "private part" while wagging it's tail. Will the White House politely ask the fashionable, pop icon and legend to remove that scene from his sold out tour when it hits US soil?

Fans didn't seem to mind about George Michael taking a brief moment to express his political views. They are just happy that he has decided to come out of seclusion to tour. George Michael and promoters are stunned that the tour is selling out quickly.. Apparently George Michael had no idea that there was such a huge demand worldwide for him to perform live. (Don't be so modest George).

To date George Michael has sold over 75 million records. For those of you who may not remember George Michael, he started with the boy group Wham! back in the mid 80's. George then released his debut solo album in 1990. Some of his many hits include "Father Figure", Careless Whispers, and "Faith" . George Michael also has two greatest hit cd's hitting stores this year: A two disc set and a three disc set.

Monica Peters makes the national spotlight with her Omar Tyree interview.
Peters handles author with the utmost grace and skill.
Author Admits He Cheats on Wife and He's Proud of it

**INTERVIEW IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE**

Monica Peters (l) and best-selling author Omar Tyree (r)