Revised and Edited by Heather Covington

NOTE: Reading Heather Covington’s first draft articles can be detrimental or helpful to your writing career.  )))))((((Giggles))))((((

Last night I caught a few minutes of The Brian McKnight Show on 98.7KISSFM and he asked listeners to call in regarding their thoughts on why woman are attracted to rich men? He wanted to know if women were attracted to their success, money or lifestyle and so I thought I would answer this question for all of the ladies holding down a real 9-5 job because they love it and can basically support themselves and not have to be gold diggers to make it in this world.

First, women are not attracted to men with money only. Money is filthy and has a stench, isn’t valuable until you spend it and when you do, you want more  to spend and are never satisfied, but overall I wouldn’t bathe in money or sleep in a bed full of money, so it is obvious women are not attracted to money, but respect its value necessary to acquire the things they love.

http://www.Brian-McKnight.com

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Jamie Foxx “The Soloist” Interview with Kam Williams 

 Kam Goes Solo with Jamie Texas native Jamie Foxx was born Eric Marlon Bishop on December 13, 1967 and raised by his grandparents from the age of seven months following the failure of his parents’ marriage. Although he was a star athlete at Terrell High on both the school’s football and basketball teams, he majored in classical music and composition in at the U.S. International University in California.

The versatile actor/comedian/singer/musician/writer/producer/director got his start in showbiz in 1989 when he went on stage on a dare on open mic night and tried his hand at standup. After spending time on the comedy circuit, he joined Keenan Ivory Wayans, Jim Carrey, Damon Wayans and Tommy Davidson in the landmark Fox sketch comedy series “In Living Color,” creating some of the show’s funniest and most memorable moments.

In 1996, he launched his own series, “The Jamie Foxx Show,” which was one of the top-rated programs on the WB Network during its five-year run. Jamie not only starred on the series but also was the co-creator and executive producer, and directed several episodes. He made his big screen in Toys in 1992, followed by appearances in Booty Call and The Players Club. He received critical acclaim for his riveting work and in Any Given Sunday and as Bundini Brown in Ali, breakout roles which inexorably led to 2004, the Year of the Foxx, when he delivered a trio of powerful performances in Ray, Collateral and Redemption.

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In 2007, I contacted Terry a. O’neal to just reminisce about the good ‘ole times when poetry had taken on it’s final dramatic  transition from spoken word art to spiritualistic verses in books, and as prevalent on bookstore shelves  by  responsible owners who recognize the self-help poetry gift book as a fast selling genre  of its  own that speaks to a nation of readers looking for daily uplift.

Among those spiritual poets of all time, is the written and spoken voice of Terry a. O’Neal. You may recall the poet who I personally invited to debut her poetry on the stage of the Harlem Book Fair with Cynthia Highsmith Hooks, young Adrianna Holland, winner of the 1st Harlem Book Fair Spelling Bee Contest and myself. The moment was magical and captured by the renown Amsterdam News.

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Artist: Busta Rhymes feat. T-Pain

Reviewed by Heather Covington
“The Literary Heat”

www.Disilgold.com

Busta Rhymes returns with a new hit, featuring T-Pain, The Hustlers Anthem and his usual video antics Busta style. The sure summer banger of 2009, the song and video works. Fun, energized, gravitating and ear popping, Busta knows how to command his listeners with his presence alone, fancy costumes and top hats that give enough flair to do justice to this video, but I didn’t appreciate T-Pain flashing those gold teeth of his. Folks now have HDTV and it just isnt’ polite to flash your high beams to blind music listeners eyes like that.

www.Bustarhymes.com

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“I’m all by myself with nothing but your t-shirt on cause I miss you?” is just one verse from the new album by Shontell cleverly titled Shontelligence from Universal/ Motown. New, fresh talent with a voice to match, you probably have heard of the artist who has performed as an opening act for artists like Rihanna.

Owning a  voice with a pop feel at first listen that may not sound like an RnB artist, Shontelle enters the music arena  sporting a sound all her own that  music listeners can certainly vibe to.  If her album sounds as good as her debut song, she may very well be able to make a household name for herself.

A video that may not show Shontelle’s ability tote her choreography skills as a performing artist yet, the video cleverly draws attention to the finale as Shontelle awaiting hours for her mysterious dream  prince  to arrive. 

I have to admit, I was expecting a guy along the lines of a Tyson Beckford in the buff to match the desires of the scantily dressed Shontelle in the video, but only a meek guy appeared. Maybe I have to see the video once again, but I was expecting a gem to appear that would hold equal  impression as Shontelle and which will give the men something to think about. Maybe today’s girl, like Shontelle, just wants a really nice guy, not too buff, not too fashion savvy, but just right. I enjoyed listening to Shontelle’s song, but the video just didn’t make the cut. Maybe the next video will bring out this artist’s potential.

Disilgold SOUL Magazine Rating: **2 Stars

Single Song: Must Be Love feat. (Puff Daddy)
Artist: Cassie

Reviewed by Heather Covington
“The Literary Heat”
www.Disilgold.com

Like a breath of fresh air, new music artist, Cassie, the songbird whose music career seemed to be on pause while taking on movie cameos and major endorsements, effortlessly jolts out a hit the fab chicas can relate to who just want to hear a Hip-Hop ballad when riding in ones vehicle with the sun roof open, hair all out and blowing with natural length in summer wind.

“I think about you all the time, can’t get you off my mind,” is the catchy hook in Cassie’s sure to be mega-hit “Must Be Love,” and featuring the “Bad Boy” Puffy aka Sean Combs who lends his classic Hip Hop vocals to every song he produces and deservingly so. If you aren’t reminded by the swagger of an ‘ole Gina Thompson hit like, The Things You Do,” then you simply will have to go back in time and research Puffy’s hits and all of the artists he’s breathed life into.

Cassie undoubtedly brings her own flava to music with that same unassuming big voice that you wait to get better, but it stays on its course and continues to give listeners just enough to buy the album for keeps.

Call her the new Universal Princess of RnB who no one saw arriving so soon, Cassie has certainly paid her dues, but instead of cutting that ribbon of success, she’s cut off one side of her hair recently. Perhaps, it “Must be Love” for the green because Cassie is headed straight to the bank and there isn’t anything anyone can do to stop her reign. If you listen carefully to her latest hit, all of that “ker-chang ker-chinging” is a money register repeatedly popping open. It’s certainly Cassie’s time to shine.

Disilgold SOUL Magazine Rating: ****3.5 Stars

About Reviewer: A Nationally Certified Reading Specialist, critically acclaimed poet, marketing specialist and former tv show host, Heather Covington “The Literary Heat” is the NAACP IMAGE AWARD nominated author of Literary Divas: The Top 100+ Most Admired African American Women in Literature and DisilgoldBooks.com publisher and debut author of the best selling MURDEROTICA novel, Tekila Nika: The Forbidden Bronx Video Diary Tales. She has been noted as a TOP 5 Media Mogul alongside the producers of GOODDAY and runs, owns and operates Disilgold.com, abridged for “Diamonds, Silver and Gold,” the literary and media home of celebrity stars and literary icons. Her author website can be visited at www.LiteraryDiva.com and official MYSPACE site at www.myspace.com/HeatherCovington. For booking, interview, media requests and/or Disilgold.com Monthly Media Campaigns: Email Disilgold@aol.com.

Music Video: That’s Not My Name

Artist: The Ting Tings

Reviewed by Heather Covington

“The Literary Heat”

www.Disilgold.com

If you’re a kid, on spring break somewhere at your favorite resort or just kicking back at your friends neighborhood barbecue, you will enjoy listening to this catch song from the Ting Tings, That’s Not My Name. The song runs down and overwhelming lists of names that for some who don’t mind their name being idolized in a catch spring music chart topping hit, you’ll love it. For others, the song makes you cringe because your name is certainly not on the IT List.

Mindful of how impressionable artists can be and as a music maven who studies music as much as she enjoys listens to it, I immediately felt like I was listening to a remake of Toni Basil’s hit years ago entitled, Hey Mickey. The only thing that did ring a familiar chord was the video against a dark background that will be a hit and miss, but certainly not a classic of all times.

Lacking originality and any substance, you can write this video and group off if they continue to produce predictable hook records made for the kids who like to bop around like go-go kids and shun folks who don’t know their name around the way. Silly, outrageous, but with catchy hooks like a commercial that haunt you, I am hoping this song disappears as quickly as it arrived. NEXT!

Disilgold SOUL Magazine Rating: **2 Stars

About Reviewer: A Nationally Certified Reading Specialist, critically acclaimed poet, marketing specialist and former tv show host, Heather Covington “The Literary Heat” is the NAACP IMAGE AWARD nominated author of Literary Divas: The Top 100+ Most Admired African American Women in Literature and DisilgoldBooks.com publisher and debut author of the best selling MURDEROTICA novel, Tekila Nika: The Forbidden Bronx Video Diary Tales. She has been noted as a TOP 5 Media Mogul alongside the producers of GOODDAY and runs, owns and operates Disilgold.com, abridged for “Diamonds, Silver and Gold,” the literary and media home of celebrity stars and literary icons. Her author website can be visited at www.LiteraryDiva.com and official MYSPACE site at www.myspace.com/HeatherCovington. For booking, interview, media requests and/or Disilgold.com Monthly Media Campaigns: Email Disilgold@aol.com.

“Grab my body baby, Hold my heart don’t break it,” is the most gravitating melodic hook of the year in J. Holiday’s sophomore album, Round 2 in his hit song and video,  ”It’s Yours,” which shuts down nay sayers that believed his heavy hitting  chart busting debut song, “BED” just simply could not be topped.

 If the lyrics catch you, so will the video which romanticizes the art of falling in love and staying in love against a smokey backdrop screen that idolizes a fresh faced model who happens to be J. Holiday’s main squeeze all through the video.  With scenes from the bedroom to the streets,  the “It’s Yours” video is filled with subtle vignettes of gentle hugs, kisses, caresses, teasing and flirtatious moves from J. Holiday. He’s undeniably today’s RnB balladeer of romance songs. 

With a distinctive voice all his own, it is clear that J. Holiday has a trademarked sound that includes this riveting tremor that oozes sex appeal. Add a winning flare for cutting-edge men fashions as he dons crisp white shirts with business ties and  then switches to a crop leather jacket corporate thug style and you have to give J. Holiday props.

The tatted soul RnB crooner doesn’t seem to be in a rush for super-stardom with those over-produced videos. He brings a laid back edge to music listeners ears that let you know he’s going to be here for a while, so just sit back and enjoy the show. It’s J. Holiday’s world.

Disilgold SOUL Magazine Rating: *****5 Stars

Just as soon as everyone thought Eminem had disappeared, he’s back with an Interscope smash hit, “We Made You” and more celebrity bashing antics in his new video that makes pop shots at Amy Winehouse, the Star Trek Cast, Former Presidential vice presidential candidate, Sarah Palin and even has cameos by 50 Cent and Dr. Dre ro remind listeners that Eminem is back.

While a soft edged Hip Hop jam, don’t be fooled, Eminem is a solid lyricist who can not only win over all audiences with crossover appeal and talent, but his lyrical style emanates from that of a skilled lyrical craftsman not to be taken lightly.

A lot of production went into the makings of this video from scenery,  props, celebrity look-a-like costumes and over all concept. Eminem has created a signature style in videos that is all his own and somewhat hilarious, but engaging. Looking forward to watching the MTV Movie Awards, which Eminem is hosting and will debuting his smash hit thus far for his MAY 19th release of the new album, RELAPSE.

Disilgold SOUL Magazine Rating: 4 Stars

About Reviewer:  A Nationally Certified Reading Specialist, critically acclaimed poet, marketing specialist and former tv show host, Heather Covington “The Literary Heat” is the NAACP IMAGE AWARD nominated author of Literary Divas: The Top 100+ Most Admired African American Women in Literature and DisilgoldBooks.com publisher and  debut author  of the best selling MURDEROTICA novel, Tekila Nika: The Forbidden Bronx Video Diary Tales. She has been noted as a TOP 5 Media Mogul alongside the producers of GOODDAY and runs, owns and operates Disilgold.com, abridged for “Diamonds, Silver and Gold,”  the literary and media home of celebrity stars and literary icons.  Her author website can be visited at www.LiteraryDiva.com and official MYSPACE site at www.myspace.com/HeatherCovington. For booking, interview, media requests and/or Disilgold.com Monthly Media Campaigns: Email Disilgold@aol.com.

  Notorious

 DVD Review by Kam Williams

            Christopher Wallace (1972-1997) aka Biggie Smalls aka Notorious B.I.G. was a Brooklyn-born gangsta’ rapper who passed away at just 24 years of age, a casualty of the infamous East Coast-West Coast turf war which first claimed the life of his primary rival Tupac Shakur (Anthony Mackie). Tupac had dissed Biggie by claiming in a song to have slept with his wife, fellow hip-hop star Faith Evans (Antonique Smith). Neither Biggie nor Tupac were exactly altar boys, with both boasting openly about their yay-long rap sheets.

But the bloody feud was much bigger than these two icons. On one side, you had L.A. producer Suge Knight (Sean Ringgold) and his stable of artists at Death Row Records; on the other, there were the upstarts from New York who Sean “Puffy” Combs (Derek Luke) had recently signed to his new label, Bad Boy. And although everybody knew that their crews were packing heat and hated each other, the murders went unsolved, probably because of the “no snitch” mindset adhered to by these thugs as a code of honor.  

  Unfortunately, Notorious sheds little light on the mystery of who killed Biggie and Tupac. Nonetheless, director George Tillman, Jr. has crafted a very absorbing, cradle to the grave bio-pic which does vividly recount exactly how a latchkey kid being raised by an immigrant single-mom (Angela Bassett) in the slums of Bed-Stuy could have overcome the odds only to be slain at the height of his fame in a seemingly senseless drive-by shooting in Hollywood.

Much credit for the success of the flick must go to Jamal Woolard who makes an impressive screen debut in the title role here. The talented rapper-turned-actor achieves no mean feat in fully humanizing a fatally-flawed figure who could’ve easily come off as a one-dimensional monster instead of a charmer. After all, except for the fact that he made it in the music business, there isn’t a lot about Biggie worth emulating.

Neither approving nor judging, Notorious simply presents the gluttonous Biggie in all his materialist glory, allowing the audience to decided what to make of his train wreck of a personal life. A relentlessly-unapologetic immorality play about a bona fide ghetto gangsta’ apt to entertain even Joe Six-Pack.  

Excellent (4 stars)

Rated R for nudity, drug use, graphic sexuality, ethnic slurs and pervasive profanity. 

Running time: 129 minutes

Studio: Fox Home Entertainment

3-Disc DVD Extras: Widescreen theatrical feature film, unrated director’s cut, Wolverine theatrical trailer, Valkyrie, S. Darko, The Wrestler, Seth MacFarlane’s Cavalcade of Cartoon Comedy, commentary by director George Tillman, Jr., screenwriters Reggie Rock Bythewood and Cheo Hodari Coker, and editor Dirk Westervelt, commentary by with Biggie’s mom Voletta Wallace, and his manager Wayne Barrow, Behind the Scenes: The Making of Notorious, I Got a Story to Tell: The Lyrics of Biggie Smalls,  Notorious Thugs: Casting the Film, Biggie Boot Camp, Anatomy of a B.I.G. Performance, Party & [Expletive] (never before seen footage), The B.I.G. Three-Sixty, Directing the Last Moments, It Happened Right Here, The Petersen Exit, The Shooting, The Impala, The Unfortunate Violent Act, The Window, 9 Deleted Scenes,  4 extended/alternate concerts, trailers from: Secret Life of Bees, Gospel Hill and Slumdog Millionaire, digital copy.

To see a trailer for Notorious, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDDv6pAbN_U

Attention bookstores, with the surge of people now more than ever losing their homes, jobs and livelihood, along comes an inspirational author whose beautiful imagery of hope beyond  every day circumstances catapults the reader with spiritual uplift and is just the kind of book today’s reader will enjoy and give as a gift to loved ones. I highly suggest Bertha M. Davis new book, Knowing God Beyond Life’s Winter Season for review and stocking onto your bookstore shelves this spring and beyond. Ms. Davis’s work has been honorably selected to debut on the Disilgold Webstore at www.disilgold.com along with many fine works from authors heavily referred to the community from all genres and thus, a satisfying experience for shoppers. Disilgold.com presents the official worldwide release of Knowing God Beyond Life’s Winter Season. Please contact author directly for bookingm interviews, radio requests and to enhance your programming. Knowing God Beyond Life’s Winter Season is just one of Bertha M. Davis’ glorified works at www.Disilgold.com. Please visit for upcoming interview with one of our very popular authors since 2001. Enjoy.

The Disilgold SOUL Family

EDITORS:  For review copies or interview request, contact:

Bertha M. Davis: 317-546-3158

Email Address:  gbbertha@att.net

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA, – Local author Bertha M. Davis has published Knowing God Beyond Life’s Winter Season, a powerful, uplifting, and soul stirring book which inspires as much as it entertains.  Real life antidotes’ during the winter season of one’s life that will take you to the wilderness, where safety can be found in God.

            Bertha’s Rocky Mountain trials and her adaptation to spiritual independence can be seen through her personal testimonies, and the testimonies of men in the Bible.  Though her gripping and enduring experience is a unique one, Bertha faces many storms which are icons of the challenges we all face. The reader’s strength can be renewed, as God’s Holy Word comes alive that are found within the pages of this powerful book.

            The book powerful etches is ultimately a testament to every individual’s undying potential.  Through the waters, it will not overflow you, and through the fire, it will not burn you.  Know who you are in God and don’t be intimidated by the DEVIL anymore, but put on the whole armor of God, stand firm, as the fiery dots of Life’s Winter Season are being thrown to disassemble the Christian’s faith in God. 

            Knowing God Beyond Life’s Winter Season is now available in bookstores in the U.S., www.amazon.com, Ingram Distribution, or order from Author’s websites: www.berthabooks.com.

ISBN # 978-0-9768753-2-2

ISBN # 0-9768753-2-2

Price: $12.50

WESLEY SNIPES TO INTRODUCE NEW SCI-FI FRANCHISE 

“Zulu Mech 1” AT THE 2009 AFRICAN AMERICAN PAVILION 

AT BOOKEXPO AMERICA

Then at 1:00 p.m., activities will shift to the African American Pavilion stage for a presentation entitled “African Legends Past And Future” that closes with a screening of the first “Zulu Mech 1″ adventure. Upcoming episodes will soon be available on Apple Itunes.

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I gotta to thank Shaun for inviting me to her personal myspace group where she talks about self-esteem and pride issues for teens. I think Shaun thinks I am a teen. Isn’t that cute. A few weeks ago, I got an invite from Random House for her Barnes and Noble Booksigning on a date I already had booked for an event, but  made sure to find out how all went and it looks like Shaun’s book is a hit and sure bet contendor for a NAACP IMAGE AWARD.    She’s doing her thing and I am recommending her book for everyone to read because for one, what other celebrated journalist is holding it down on tv for years without any controversy and just as beautiful as ever and secure in herself. Shaun is a true role model. Little girls will be inspired to go after their dreams with Shaun’s over all leadership. A classy lady is going to the top and is now a celebrated author.

Here is an article from OMG that I began reading:

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — She’s won an Emmy, written columns for popular magazines and of course, is the weekend co-host and a correspondent for Access Hollywood, but when Shaun Robinson sat down to write her first book, she decided to not pen her manuscript about the glitz and glamour of the entertainment world.

“People are asking me, ‘Is there any scandal in the book?’” Shaun explained to AccessHollywood.com about the curiosity surrounding “Exactly As I Am: Celebrated Women Share Candid Advice with Today’s Girls on What It Takes to Believe in Yourself,” out today on Ballantine Books. “And I said, ‘Nope, sorry, no scandal. That’s a book somebody else can write.”

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Shaun Robinson

Instead, after receiving questions from young women across the country who desperately want to be like their celebrity idols in television and film, Shaun decided to write a book offering self-esteem boosting words of wisdom from her own life and with the help of a host of celebrities.

“Girls today are so influenced by what they see on television and in magazines, film and media across the board and I began to realize how those images affect girls and how they feel about themselves,” Shaun explained. “That’s really nothing new, but I think the topic has taken on more of an urgency because there’s becoming more of an emphasis on looks. With all these messages of female empowerment, girls are still feeling incredibly, incredibly inadequate.”

To find out more about Shaun Robinson, visit her site at www.ShaunRobinson.com.

Given as a gift by Senator Kennedy, Bo Obama got approval from Sasha and Malia today as the white house dog. Bo is a full breed Portuguese Yorkshire and amazingly all black with white paws. The dog has been trained to keep its feet of the president’s shoes. The president’s wife, Michelle, is already thinking about placing a fence around her tomatoes. Let’s see how long Bo lasts. He looks really active and like he’s ready to get into a lot of trouble.

Please join us for a book reading and signing by VOW member Tonya Blount and author of “The Resurrection of Me: A Spiritual Memoir.” This event is for persons who identify as female: survivors, advocates, family and friends. “The Resurrection of Me: A Spiritual Memoir,” will be on sale at a cost of $14. A portion of the proceeds from the sell of each book will be donated to VOW to help support survivors as they continue to fight to improve the systems survivors and their children turn to for safety and justice.

www.TonyaBlount.com

Everyone knows I love Jamie Foxx. He is a fool if I’ve ever known one, but you can’t take away this man’s talent.  (Referring to his real talk in interviews lately on the radio for his  new album). My fav song is “Blame It.”  Have you been following the comedian who turned In Living Color  produced by the Wayan Brothers into a hit show. Don’t get me wrong, all of those Wayan brothers are hilarious including David Allen Grier who just couldn’t hit it off with the judges on Dancing With the Stars.  You would think that Jamie Foxx can’t do a serious movie like this one he’s starring in called The Soloist.

Now let me give you the scoop on The Soloist for those of you want to see a tear jerker. It is based on this mentally challenged man, Nathaniel Ayers (played by Jamie Foxx), who was homeless and had a split personality.

 This guy could be normal one minute and then flip on folks with a violent rage the next. His sister didn’t know what was wrong with him and folks just left him alone, but the man was gifted as in able to play the chello like no one’s business. So  Steve Lopez (played by Robert Downey, Jr.), and something like an angel, observes him on the streets of Skid Row one day playing his chello and earning money, and so he invites him to be an instructor to  major orchestra ensemble. Folks respect him and treat him like a king, but his split personality returns. The whole story is based on a true-to-life story and kind of reminds me of a modern day My Fair Lady, but from the perspective of a hopeless man given a chance to make something out of his life. I love movies like this where triumph conquers circumstances.

 I have to see Jamie in this movie and so I am checking out both Obssessed featuring Beyonce and Jamie Foxx in the Soloist on April 24th. I’ll be back to let you know who was a better actor and yes, we can compare a female’s acting ability to a man’s acting ability. Why the double standard? Either Jamie Foxx or Beyonce’ is winning Best Actor of the Year. Don’t forget Disilgold SOUL Magazine’s Annual YOUnity Reviewers Guild of America nominees loading soon for the Best Actor of the Year Award and loading soon.

Everyone’s over at www.disilgold.com!

For those of you who understand the importance of opening  day box office sales for movies, one day can make a difference from a hit or flop.  Jennifer Lopez bombed so many times at the Box Office it was a sheer travesty for a singer turned actres and why I am hoping this movie is a hot. That Bey is really working hard for her 80 million. I am sure I was watching a Nintendo commercial and the person playing on the game just like a little girl was Beyonce. Will someone call me and let me know if that was her or am I blind?

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Heather Covington’s HEATLIST COUNTDOWN NEWS

Visit www.disilgold.com for TOP STORY PHOTOS

Morris Chestnut Discussses Makings of  New Movie, Not Easily Broken  w/ Celebrity Interviewer Kam Williams

I remember Morris Chestnut in the movie, Boyz in the Hood, one of my favorite movies. I always said, Morris Chestnut would be an exceptional actor along the lines of Denzel Washington, Laurence Fishbourne and Westley Snipes, but it was a shocker to find out that he  produced the movie, “Not Easily Broken,” with an all star cast. Kam really gets candid with Morris Chestnut who we hardly hear anything about, but now you’ll find out why.I can respect Morris for this interview and will be looking out for the movie on BLU-RAY to further support this producer on the rise. I know producers are dissecting this interview right now and actors because it is quite interesting to get into the mind of an actor turned producer. You never know one’s potentional. People use to  tell Steven Spielberg to move over while riding the train and look at him today. All I can say is Morris Chestnut’s new movie is classy and for the title alone and cast, I am supporting it.”- Heather Covington- Editor-in-Chief of Disilgold SOUL Literary Review- www.disilgold.com.

Visit hundreds more top interviewed guests at www.disilgold.com

Born in Cerritos, California on New Year’s Day in 1969, Morris Chestnut was a student-athlete in high school but focused on finance and drama at California State University. Although he made his big screen debut in 1991 opposite Ice Cube in John Singleton’s Boyz n the Hood, he really found his breakout role eight years later as the groom-to-be in Malcolm Lee’s The Best Man. Since then, the handsome hunk has been a staple of romance-themed, urban-oriented fare, appearing in such hits as The Brothers, Two Can Play That Game, Breakin’ All the Rules and The Perfect Holiday. Chestnut has also displayed his versatility by successfully crossing over into mainstream flicks, appearing in everything from Half Past Dead to Like Mike to Confidence to Ladder 94 to The Game Plan. A very private family man, Morris keeps a low profile in suburban L.A., where he lives with his wife, Pam, and their son and daughter. Here, he talks about both producing and performing in Not Easily Broken, a romance drama based on a novel by Bishop T.D. Jakes. The modern morality play which co-stars Oscar-nominee Taraji Henson is just being released on DVD after opening in theaters back in January.

MC: Hey, what’s up Kam?

KW: Thanks for the time, Morris. MC: No problem, man.

KW: How did you like my review of Not Easily Broken? I gave it four stars.

 MC: Thank you very much. I appreciate that.

KW: What interested you in making this movie?

MC: It was a couple of things. First of all, I’ve been married thirteen years now, so, I related to my character, Dave. I saw it as a great opportunity to have a platform, at this time in our society when a lot of people have money and marital problems, to make a statement that everything worth having takes some work. When people are courting, many of them think that when they get married, that’s it, and everything will be on Easy Street. But you really have to work even harder once you’re married, because the challenges are that much greater. Another part of my interest was the opportunity to step behind the camera to executive produce.

KW: Well, you made an excellent choice in terms of material, an adaptation of a morality play by Bishop T.D. Jakes which is both entertaining and has several worthwhile messages to deliver.

MC: That’s what we wanted, and Jakes would concur with everything I’m about to say about the picture. We wanted it to be entertaining, because if you’re not entertained, you won’t be engaged, and then you’ll miss the subtle messages. Jakes didn’t want folks watching it to feel like they were being preached to as if they were just getting a sermon. He wanted people to be entertained, and if they also get the messages, then the movie will have fully served its purpose.

KW: I thought it was innovative for this genre of film that the other woman [played by Maeve Quinlan] was white.

MC: Quite frankly, I have white, Asian and Hispanic friends in real life. And in the movie, we didn’t make it a big deal that she was white, just like it wasn’t a big deal that my best friend [played by Eddie Cibrian] was white, either. We tried to make it as seamless as possible.

 KW: Yes, the colorblind casting was handled very well, in a way which I think reflects changes in the culture.

 MC: The culture definitely has shifted

. KW: How was it working opposite Taraji Henson as your wife? This has certainly been a big year for her with the Oscar nomination for Benjamin Button.

MC: We were so excited for her when she got the nomination. But back when we cast her for this movie, we didn’t know what quality role she had in Brad Pitt’s movie. And that wouldn’t have made a difference anyway. We already knew that she was a very talented actress who just hadn’t been given the opportunity to play those roles yet. We knew that she could play a professional woman, although she had previously played mostly street-type characters. That was part of what was exciting about giving her the opportunity to play Clarice. And she ripped it.

KW: How about the rest of the cast?

MC: Once we had Taraji, we thought teaming her with Jenifer Lewis to play her mother would definitely enable the audience to empathize with what my character would be feeling. As far as casting Kevin Hart, I just called him. Kevin’s a friend of mine, and we’ve done a couple of things together in the past. The deal with Kevin is, you know you’re going to get something funny, you just don’t know what he’s going to pull out of his big bag of tricks. I actually also called Wood Harris on the phone, and asked him, “Hey man, can you come do this?” It was tough to get him, but we were glad we did, because he delivered a standout performance. Same with Eddie Cibrian. I called him and asked, “Can you do this with me?” It was challenging putting it all together and getting it done, but we feel very fortunate about the outcome.

KW: When I interview actresses, I ask them what actor they’d like to act opposite as a romantic lead, and your name comes up more than anybody’s.

MC: Oh really? That’s something. [Chuckles] KW: Who has been your favorite leading lady from your movies?

MC: Wow! Man, I can’t answer that. [Laughs] I couldn’t pick just one favorite. What I will say is this. Every leading that I’ve worked with has, for the most part, been professional. They came to work on time, knowing their lines, etcetera. Obviously, when you’re working with fine actresses, you’re going to have a few diva moments in there, but all of the women have come to work ready to go, so I’ve been fortunate to have had positive experiences across the board, pretty much. KW: So, what actresses that you haven’t worked with before would you like to have play your leading lady in the future?

MC: Wow, there are so many great actresses out there. I would love to do something with Angela Bassett. She’s so strong. Or Viola Davis. Her scene in Doubt was phenomenal. KW: You seem to be cast as an athlete in a lot of your movies. How do you keep in such great shape for that?

MC: You know what? I’m a weekend warrior. I try to come out and play sports and keep as active as I can.

KW: When did you first develop your interest in acting? MC: It goes back to high school. I wanted to win a scholarship to play football in college. But when that didn’t pan out, I figured I needed to find something else to do. I went to see a friend of mine in junior college who was in a play, and I thought that might be something I could get interested in. From there, I just started pursuing it.

KW: Is there any question no one ever asks you, that you wish someone would?

MC: That’s a good question. I’m kind of a private person, and sometimes it’s like pulling teeth to get me to talk. I actually have to get myself up for these types of situations. So, no, there’s probably not one particular thing that I want people to know that I’m not being asked about.

 KW: The Columbus Short question: Are you happy?

MC: Am I happy in life? I think overall, yes, but I’m not satisfied. Obviously, I can’t complain. 99% of the people in the world would say there’s something that they’d like to change about their lives, because nothing’s perfect, and nobody’s perfect. I suppose I could look at the glass half-empty instead of as half-full. Would I like to do bigger budgeted movies, and have more diverse casts? The answer is yes. But by the same token, I have to feel grateful when I look at people who haven’t been as fortunate as I have been. So, there are always things I’d like to improve on, but at the end of the day, I can’t complain.

KW: The Tasha Smith question: Are you ever afraid?

 MC: [LOL] Yeah! Of course. Look at the economic situation right now, people have worked their entire lives to amass a nest egg, expecting to retire, only to have someone like Madoff swindle them out of their money, and suddenly they’ve lost it all and have to start over again. That let’s you know that anything can happen in life. So, yeah, I do get afraid.

KW: The bookworm Troy Johnson question: What was the last book you read?

MC: I’m not an avid reader, but the last book I read was How to Play Omaha Poker. I like to play poker, maybe a little too much, but I definitely enjoy it.

 KW: The music maven Heather Covington question: What music are you listening to nowadays?

MC: That depends. I’m an R&B and Hip-Hop type guy. When I work out, which I do at least four or five times a week, I love to get the latest Hip-Hop because it really pumps me up and inspires me to get that workout on.

KW: What was the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome?

MC: Ooh, my shyness. That’s something I have to overcome every time I audition for a job or even do an interview. I’m not really an outgoing type person. My friends are always telling me I have to get out of the house more. Just doing an interview with you takes a lot out of me.

KW: The Rudy Lewis question: Who’s at the top of your hero list?

MC: My parents, Shirley and Morris Chestnut, Sr. As a child, I couldn’t really appreciate all the struggles and trials they had to go through in life, and the sacrifices they had to make while raising me. But now, as an adult and parent myself, I do. They’re at the top of my list, because they are the reason I am where I’m at today. I’m a product of their efforts.

KW: Where in L.A. did you grow up?

 MC: I was raised in Orange County, which is about 40 miles outside of Los Angeles.

KW: “Realtor to the Stars” Jimmy Bayan wants to know, where in L.A. you live now?

MC: I live in The Valley, which is about 20 miles away.

 KW: Teri Emerson would like to know when was the last time you had a good belly laugh?

MC: [Laughs] Last time I had a good belly laugh? When I was on the phone with my boys. Me and my friends have these conference calls at least three times a week where we talk mostly about sports and tease each other when your team loses. A lot of my buddies are a lot more creative than I am, and they come up with some very funny jokes.

KW: Who do you like in the NCAAs?

MC: Well, I’m a USC fan, but we were one and done. There are still some storylines I’m looking forward to. These rules violations by Connecticut are making it a little more interesting. I’ve always liked North Carolina because of their colors, that powder blue and white.

KW: The Laz Alonso question: Is there anything your fans can do to help you?

 MC: They can help me by continuing to support me. If I’m in a restaurant, and you see me eating and you want to come up, that’s cool. I get it, I understand, because I have fans who don’t miss a movie and can quote some of my characters’ lines. I appreciate that.

KW: Thanks again for the interview, Morris, and best of luck with all your endeavors.

MC: Thank you.

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