jamie foxx

Oprah & Jamie Foxx are Ready to Release Their Best Work for Fans to Use as a Jump-Off Point in The New Year

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It’s a new year and folks want to kick things off right! That means getting back to basics on a diet or a dream. This is usually a time when gym membership ads are seen all over and goal setting is a way to achieve a makeover. If that’s not where you are then maybe there’s something else in the works.

When it comes to Hollywood, they like to kick things off with the Golden Globes Award. It’s a celebration of all things film in an industry filled with glamour. That’s not how Oprah and Jamie Foxx kicked off their new year. They are ready to release their best work for fans to use as a jump-off point in their goals.

Oprah has just launched a nine-city tour focused on personal wellness. It’s part health kick and part life’s work. While she has no plans to return to the daytime talk studio or to run for higher office, she sees this as giving folks the tools and motivation for a higher living. It’ also a way to connect with her fans.

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Foxx is no slouch either with lots of projects on his plate. He had fans asking whether he was the fox on The Masked Singer. Now he’s gonna be a guest panelist and is psyched about being in Just Mercy. He says it’s his most important movie role to date and was able to draw on experience in his own family.

Oprah says she’s feeling most centered spiritually and Fox says he’s grateful to have been mentored in his early showbiz days. As powerhouse celebs, the easy question is whether they do resolutions? If not, then how do they keep raising the bar on their body of work? The answers line-up with being:

  1. On Point

Oprah talks about her wellness 2020 vision not simply in terms of weight. She says she’s no longer a slave to the scale. What she’s focused on at this stage of her life is being ‘on point’ in her general health numbers. She’s less focused on having the perfect weight and more focused on hitting her best marks.

  1. On Purpose

In doing her recent ‘year-in-review’ before the start of 2020 she was struck by the things she got done on her work checklist. But she began to wonder if they were done simply to be on schedule or if she needed to do more things ‘on purpose.’ Giving ‘purpose things’ more attention is high on her 2020 list.

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  1. On Game

Foxx was happy to have a chance to work with his long-time friend Michael B Jordan. They share a bond of mutual respect and trust. Foxx thinks back to those who helped him get into stride when he was new to Hollywood and it’s what he’s been to Jordan over the years. It’s about being ‘on game’ in their careers.

  1. On Fire

Working together on the Just Mercy film allowed them to bring a real-life story to the big screen. With all the film projects he’s done, this story has probably lit a new fire to his game. A passion project is one thing. But there’s nothing like a story that’s relatable or hits close to home that might set passion on fire.

Oprah knows when she’s done with the tour, the re-connection with fans will be like a return on investment. She says that’s how life works. When you think you’re out there trying to pour into others, the feedback, love and support that boomerangs back will keep her on point, on purpose, on game and on fire.

Tip: You raise the bar in life by finding fresh ways to be on point, on purpose, on game and on fire in how you go about producing your best work.

Talkback: What are you doing in 2020 to release your best work?

Tracks: Aretha Franklin Ft. Fantasia – Put You Up on Game – https://youtu.be/PjnU8X_P104

Alicia Keys – Girl on Fire – https://youtu.be/J91ti_MpdHA

Will Smith and Ciara on Their Reboot from Hip-Hop to the East Side of Showbiz is a Throwback to Some Old-School Fun

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The Jeffersons and All in the Family, two sitcoms from the 70s, made a return TV appearance with a new cast of characters. Jamie Foxx played the role of George Jefferson while Woody Harrelson played the Archie Bunker role from All in the Family. The ratings were a hit as rumors surfaced of a full reboot.

Well that’s what Will Smith and Ciara are doing in their careers. Their reboot from Hip-Hop to the East Side of Showbiz is a throwback to some good old fun. Just look back to a time when their careers were becoming mainstream and taking the main stage. It’s a way to think about how to pull-off a career reboot.

Smith plays the ‘Genie’ role in the Disney favorite ‘Aladdin’ reboot. He says he was hooked after reading the revised screenplay, in seeing how to play the role made famous by comedian Robin Williams. He’s been turning-up his social media game and hopes his online cred transfers to a new big screen audience.

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Ciara has new music on the charts. Her ‘American candy’ type good looks and music style also has her reaching for new fans. She recently made a pop-up visit to a middle school to give a young fan the surprise of a lifetime. Of course, they did the level-up dance challenge with teachers jamming along.

Both started out their careers in the music industry and have stretched their swag to a wider following. Smith recently turned 50 and so he’s been big on completing bucket list goals. Ciara recently got into Harvard Biz School to fulfill a lifelong professional goal. They plan to do so with new rounds of:

  1. Flow

Both know something about the flow of lyrics in a hot track. They’ve mastered a certain flow as songwriter and a certain flow as rapper. Being ‘in da flow’ is a great feeling when they’re on the mic. The feeling they get from using their lyrical skills is similar to how game skills can put our performance in the zone.

  1. Flava

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Smith says he was able to connect to the Aladdin soundtrack with the song ‘Friend like Me’ because of his Hip-Hop background for rapping. It’s just that he had to bring his own flava to the remix. Over the years he’s come to learn that sometimes a career reboot takes a ‘skill remix’ to keep getting that excitement fix.

  1. Fresh

Career reboots are about keeping it ‘fresh.’ Smith started out as a rapper called ‘Fresh Prince’ and has done a TV series, big box office movies and social media video clips. It’s been 29 years since the first episode of the ‘Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.’ Now he’s got a new spin with a ‘Fresh Princess’ kids book.

  1. Freestyle

To freestyle in music is to let the lyrics flow from your mind to the mic. Smith and Ciara know that sometimes in biz you gotta freestyle some things to let folks experience your best work. As you free your style or free your game it opens the door for your dreams to flow like the genie on a magic carpet ride.

Maybe it’s just small talk if The Jeffersons or All in the Family will see a full-season reboot. But Smith and Ciara hope to keep living their best life with a reboot of their own. For the love of flow, bringing new flava, keeping things fresh and doing it freestyle is to know your best work is right there like a genie in a bottle.

Tip: Your best work comes from letting your skills and dreams flow like the genie on a magic carpet ride.

Talkback: Was the 70s TV reboot worth the buzz that it was crack-up to be?

Tracks: Christina Aguilera  – Genie in a Bottle – https://youtu.be/kIDWgqDBNXA

Craig David ft Sting – Rise & Fall – https://youtu.be/pU2ukeS2JTE

Tyler Perry & Jamie Foxx on Becoming a Hollywood High Roller and Holly-Hood High Achiever

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The end of year awards season is about to jump-off and it seems GQ Magazine got things rolling. They named Colin Kaepernick their Citizen of the Year. He’s been a trailblazer for social justice issues. There’s also Blake Shelton being named Sexiest Man Alive by People Magazine. Fans are spreading the love.

Tyler Perry and Jamie Foxx might find themselves on a different list. They’d at least get honorable mentions in discussions around Funniest Man Alive. A few other names might depend on the ‘type of funny’ category. Perry & Foxx certainly have cred as Hollywood high roller & Hollyhood high achiever.

They’ve been in the public eye for a while but for Perry the road to Tinsel-town wasn’t always a song and dance. He describes his story as one of always believing that Higher is Waiting. This mindset helped him in getting through the dark times, appreciating the good times and celebrating those high times.

It was more about chasing the dream than chasing the fame. This balancing act started with a showbiz project that kinda got them in the game. Some will remember Foxx from his In Living Color days. But for Perry it’s been a journey that got started with his urban-styled stage plays.

Some teary-eyed times are usually when talking about special people in their lives. For Foxx it was a grandmother who took care of him after adoption. With Perry there were folks who helped him connect his faith to hopes for a brighter future. They’re grateful for the advice and support they got along the way.

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Their road to success was first nurtured by close family members or friends. But it seems there’re moments in life that are set aside on our journeys where people show up as strangers. Sometimes their presence is about getting to the next point. Other times it’s about getting the point in life’s journey.

It’s like when I first read the book of a famous media personality. It describes his journey of going from average kid to getting a Star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. Two particular factors mentioned in the book related to certain aspects in my own journey. It’s the kind of thing that’s used as a bookmark of life.

Well if not as a bookmark then there’re those situations that are more like milestones. We appreciate milestone markers on a long road trip. One reason for those markers is letting us know where we are on the highway stretch. But another is to let us know how far we’ve travelled since the starting point.

Foxx and Perry are making the most of the journey by turning their bookmarks into a grander sense of purpose. They’re also turning milestones into ways for helping others get to the next point. That’s the balancing act they try to manage in chasing the dream without getting distracted by chasing the fame.

So let’s get back to the idea of Funniest Man Alive. In terms of being among the super funny, it probably takes having a certain punch to the flow of funny. Then the punch-line will be more than just scripted. Well in chasing the dream it takes having a certain punch to the flow of whatever makes us razzle dazzle.

Tip: In chasing the dream it takes having a certain punch to the flow of whatever makes us razzle & dazzle.

Talkback: Who’d be on your short list of Funniest Man Alive?

Tracks: Empire Cast ft Terrence Howard – Dream On With You – https://youtu.be/XNkmI8nnMVY

Joyful Noise Soundtrack – Higher – https://youtu.be/VShyvXuJBQ0

Shanice Williams & Tori Kelly go from Unknown to Household Names in Blink of a Dream #BigTimeUniversity

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This production of “Wise-up Wednesdays” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST

LOL Tube – Got Funny?

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Uppertunity’ – Get Lifted!”
With Higher Hopes, Bolder Dreams and Greater Teams (Old-School Flava)

NBC’s doing more ‘Live TV’ magic with The Wiz. Its star, 19 year-old Shanice Williams. She isn’t the only new face in entertainment. Recording artist Tori Kelly is being named Billboard’s breakthrough artist of 2015. Williams and Kelly are going from relative unknown to household names in the blink of a dream.

On landing the role Williams tells the NY Post “It wouldn’t process in my head, for some reason. I had some Chipotle after that and then just wanted to go to sleep and wake up so I knew I wasn’t dreaming!” Reality is what happened to her from dreaming about being selected best-in-class for a major project.

They spent years dreaming about being where they are today. Kelly started out on Youtube and was later discovered. For Williams it was in watching others perform on stage and seeing herself. After the past year in LA theater school she returned to her NJ home and auditioned for the role, beating-out 300 girls.

Pursuing our dreams is a lot like watching the TV weather map projected on green screen. There’re seasons, patterns and flows along with Highs and Lows. But a click can make things change on screen in the blink of an eye. Williams might say it’s a God-click that’s changed her situation in the blink of a dream.

Above all, their dreams took strength, courage and homespun wisdom. So they’re now working at a higher ‘jet stream’ with other big names in showbiz. A radiant smile and seasoned performances will make them ready for more big things. That’s why it’s not over until the phone rings or dreamline blings.

Groove-Track: India Arie – ‘Strength, Courage and Wisdom’ – https://youtu.be/LzUTZUONyms

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Uppertunity’ – Get Lifted!”
With Higher Hopes, Bolder Dreams and Greater Teams (New-School Flava)

The magic of ‘Live TV.’ In The Wiz on NBC. Shanice Williams the newest star. Ready to takeoff and go far. Not only new face on the block. Artist Tori Kelly set to take stock. Being named Billboard’s artist of the year. With some new music to hear. From relative unknown in talent. To ‘blink of a dream’ in their assent.

Williams landing lead role. To NY Post she shares her soul. At first not able to process in her head. What the show’s caller just said. Needing to grab a bite and take a nap. Before seeing if dream was in her lap. Reality is what happened after that. Her dream selection for best-in-class project stat.

Spent years dreaming about a day. When they wouldn’t have words to say. Kelly, first as a Youtube standout. Being discovered was her handout. Williams watched others on stage. Before seeing herself on cover page. The past year in LA theater school. Then back home to audition and beat the pool.

Pursuing dreams like heard on weather call. Or TV’s green screen forecast wall. Having seasons, patterns and flows. Along with nature’s highs and lows. But a click can make quick change. In blink of an eye a new range. Williams saying ‘Big Daddy’ got her ready to blow. Blink of a dream becomes a show.

Strength, courage homespun wiz-dom above all. Things that make dreams stand tall. Reaching a higher ‘jet stream’ in fame. Working with others having big name. Radiant smile, seasoned performances in their game. For new things above the same. It’s not over until the phone rings. Or at least the dreamline blings.

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Tip: Our dreams take strength, courage and homespun wiz-dom or a magical audition for the good life.

Talkback: Who would it have been great to see perform in the latest re-do of The Wiz?

Groove-Tracks: ‘Empire’ Cast – “Bout 2 Blow” – https://youtu.be/ClC-5j23Flg


One Republic – ‘Good Life’ – https://youtu.be/jZhQOvvV45w

This production of “Wise-up Wednesdays” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST

Ryan Seacrest Has Made a Name for Himself by Putting Heart into His Work Ethic – #WUWECAST

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This production of “Wise-up Wednesdays” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST

LOL Tube – Got Funny?

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Uppertunity’ – Get Lifted!”
With Higher Hopes, Bolder Dreams and Greater Teams (Old-School Flava)

The jury’s out on Jamie Foxx hosting the iHeart Music Awards. He’s taken some heat for his monologue jokes. The show saw Rihanna channeling Lil Kim. There were others who made headlines. But Ryan Seacrest has made a name for himself not just in showbiz but by putting heart into his work ethic.

Why wouldn’t people put this into their work or businesses into their brands? Southwest Airlines knows the importance of heart. They’ve added it to their logo and commercial appeal as the ‘dot’ in dotcom. Even iHeartRadio seems to have caught-on that the parent company changed names to iHeart Media.

Business leaders know it takes heart to captivate and soul to motivate. Maybe Taylor Swift and Justin Timberlake can relate. She received a few honors while he was named Music Innovator. Their body of work speaks for itself. Some might say she streams heart into her songs while he pours soul into his.

In words you’ve heard before, they know ‘all about that base makes top dollar.’ They connect their fan-base with music, fun and lots more. Who knew that Swift had such admiration for Timberlake? She could possibly be the next recipient of the Innovator Award (Well, Kanye West might have something to say).

As one of the few from the original crew, Seacrest keeps things ‘light and loose’ on American Idol. Swift keeps turning out #1 albums and Timberlake keeps delivering his music as ‘white soul.’ They all bring heart to the stage the way an athlete combines passion and grace within their greatness.

Groove-Track: Aloe Blacc – ‘I Need a Dollar’ –

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Uppertunity’ – Get Lifted!”
With Higher Hopes, Bolder Dreams and Greater Teams (New-School Flava)

Jury’s out on iHeart Awards host Jamie Foxx. Many not sure he knocked it out the box. Taken some heat for his monologue jokes. Didn’t go over well with some folks. Rihanna showed-up like Lil Kim of old. Others made headlines not as bold. Seacrest in the building with his heart. Work ethic sets him far apart.

Why wouldn’t people put heart in their brands? Opens the door to more buying hands. Southwest Airlines adds heart to its sleeves. As seen on its logo and pamphlet leaves. Commercial appeal to hit the spot. As seen in its URL dot. Even iHeartRadio on the same page. Changing its name on the main stage.

Biz leaders know heart helps to captivate. Then add some soul to motivate. Maybe Taylor Swift and Justin Timberlake can relate. As they cash-in the money plate. She gets a few honors as songwriter. He gets the press as Music Innovator. She streams heart from track to track. He pours soul like Aloe Blacc.

In words you’ve heard before. ‘All about that base makes top dollar’ the score. So they connect with their fan-base for sure. With music, fun and a whole lot more. Who knew Swift had such admiration. For Timberlake’s personification? Could be next Innovator star. Kanye West not ready to say she’s on par.

One of the few Idol originals. Keeps things light, loose, with the lyricals. Swift keeps turning out #1 songs. Timberlake fans think he does no wrongs. Music that’s kinda like ‘white soul.’ And comedy skits from his SNL role. Bringing lots of heart to the mix. An athlete’s passion and grace on the greatness fix.

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Tip: Where there’s heart like an athlete you’ll find passion and grace locked-in with greatness.
Talkback: Who’d you think should be the next host of the iHeart Music Awards?
Groove-Tracks: (Double-play for the Easter Holiday!)

Kanye West – ‘Heartless’ –   

Mary Mary – ‘Go Get It’ –  

This production of “Wise-up Wednesdays” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST