Kehlani Releases New Single “After Hours”

Kehlani has after hours plans…

The 28-year-old part-Mexican American singer-songwriter and R&B superstar has released her latest single “After Hours,” her first new solo single since 2022.

KehlaniThe new single, produced by Khris Riddick and Alex Goldblatt, sees Kehlani embrace a bouncier, dance-inspired sound as she lets her lover know that she’s tired of beating around the bush — it’s time to make something happen.

Utilizing an expertly-placed sample of Cordel ScattaBurrell’s “Coolie Dance Rhythm,” Kehlani makes a persuasive case for spending some extra time with her “After Hours.”

Produced by Pop Wansel of production duo Pop & Oak and featuring contributions from Justin Bieber, Jessie Reyez, Syd, Blxst, Thundercat and Ambré.

Blue Water Road marked the follow-up to 2020’s It Was Good Until It Wasn’t.

Omar Apollo Releases Poignant New Single “Spite”

Omar Apollo can’t escape his last relationship…

The 26-year-old Mexican American singer and songwriter has released his new single “Spite,” a poignant track in which Apollo can’t help but wear his heart on his sleeve.

Omar Apollo“Spite” features a disgruntled Apollo trying to maintain his composure, as he can’t be close to the one he loves.

“Why you gotta ruin every night? / 50K I spend it out of spite / Every timе I see you on my phone / Hate that I still need you with my life / Tulips dying slowly in thе vase / Passport’s gettin’ dirty need a case,” sings Apollo on the song’s chorus.

“‘Spite’ is a song about a long-distance relationship and wanting to show the other person that you’re okay without them even though you feel like you need them,” said Apollo in a statement. “It’s an angry song about not being able to have someone all to yourself.”

In the song’s accompanying visual, Apollo is seen in Mexico City, embracing the beauty of his Latino roots, while grappling with feelings of heartbreak and uncertainty.

It’s the first single from his forthcoming sophomore album, which he expects to release later this year.

Bizarrap Teams Up with Natanael Cano to Release Two-Track “BZRP Music Session #59″

Bizarrap is back with new music featuring a Regional Mexican star…

The 25-year-old Argentine record producer, songwriter, DJ and hitmaker has partnered with Natanael Cano to release two singles.

Bizarrap, Natanael CanoThe 23-year-old Mexican corridos tumbados pioneer and Bizarrap joined forces on “BZRP Music Session #59,” a two-song project officially released on Wednesday, April 3.

The new music is as explosive and raw as previous music sessions recorded by the likes of Residente, Arcángel and Young Miko.

According to a press release, “BZRP Music Session #59” was created following a “spontaneous” Miami meeting between the two artists in 2021, and is powered by Bizarrap’s innovative Argentine trap.

“Now that they know we’re on top, they think we haven’t struggled,” spits Cano in the first track, or chapter one, also being referred to as “Endiamantado.”

Chapter two, or the second song from this release titled “Entre las de 20,” fuses Cano’s corrido tumbado hybrid with synthesizers and Bizarrap’s signature style.

Kicking off with his prickly guitars, Cano sings about outgrowing a relationship; he’s on to bigger and better things. “There’s no trace of what you knew about me/ I told her we broke up, I don’t have time to spend. But I do have money to throw away.”

It’s not the first time Bizarrap teams up with a música mexicana artist.

Last summer, Bizarrap tapped Peso Pluma for “BZRP Music Sessions #55,” which peaked at No. 31 on the Billboard Hot 100 and at No. 1 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart dated June 17.

Cano’s session with Bizarrap follows team-ups with Milo J, Rauw Alejandro and Shakira, the latter being Bizarrap’s most consequential session to date.

The dis track broke a handful of Guinness World Records and, when it dropped, held the title for most streamed Latin track on Spotify in 24 hours (14.4 million streams) and most viewed Latin track on YouTube in 24 hours (63 million views). It also won song of the year at the Latin Grammys.

Apple TV+ Releases Trailer for Second Season of Josh Segarra-Starrer “The Big Door Prize”

Josh Segarra is back at the door

Apple TV+ has released the trailer for the second season of The Big Door Prize, the critically acclaimed and character-driven comedy starring the 37-year-old Puerto Rican actor.

Josh Segarra

From Emmy-winning creator David West Read, the 10-episode second season will premiere globally on Apple TV+ on Wednesday, April 24, with three episodes, followed by one new episode every Wednesday through June 12, 2024.

Based on M.O. Walsh’s novel, season two of The Big Door Prize follows the residents of Deerfield as the Morpho machine readies them for the mysterious “next stage.” As everyone’s potentials are exchanged for visions, new relationships form and new questions are asked.

Dusty (Chris O’dowd) and Cass (Gabrielle Dennis) decide to take time apart while Trina (Djouliet Amara) and Jacob (Sammy Fourlas) learn that they can shed their old labels. Giorgio (Segarra) and Izzy (Crystal Fox) each find romance while Hana (Ally Maki) and Father Reuben (Damon Gupton) attempt to discover the purpose of the machine. The small town is once again left questioning what they thought they knew about their lives, relationships, potential and about the Morpho itself.

The Big Door Prize is produced by Skydance Television and CJ ENM/Studio Dragon.

Season two welcomes new and returning guest stars including Justine Lupe, Aaron Roman Weiner, Mary Holland, Patrick Kerr, Cocoa Brown, Carrie Barrett, Elizabeth Hunter, Jim Meskimen, Matt Dellapina and Melissa Ponzio.

Following its global debut on Apple TV+ last year, The Big Door Prize quickly rose to Rotten Tomatoes Certified Fresh status during its first season, and has been hailed as “thought-provoking,” “hilarious” and “one of the best comedy debuts in years.”

Segarra’s previous television credits include Abbott Elementary, Chicago P.D.The Other TwoAJ and the QueenOrange Is the New Black and She-Hulk: Attorney at Law.

His other theatrical credits include the musicals Lysistrata Jones and Dogfight, while his film credits include the slasher horror film Scream VI.

Max to Release Isabela Merced’s “Turtles All the Way Down” in May

Isabela Merced is spiraling…

Max will release its adaptation of John Green’s bestseller Turtles All the Way Down, starring the 22-year-old Peruvian American actress, on Thursday, May 2.

Isabela MercedHailing from director Hannah Marks, New Line Cinema and Temple HillTurtles All the Way Down tackles anxiety through its 17-year-old protagonist, Aza Holmes (Merced).

It’s not easy being Aza, but she’s trying … trying to be a good daughter, a good friend, and a good student, all while navigating an endless barrage of invasive, obsessive thoughts that she cannot control. When she reconnects with Davis (Felix Mallard), her childhood crush, Aza is confronted with fundamental questions about her potential for love, happiness, friendship and hope.

Also starring Maliq Johnson, Cree, Poorna Jagannathan, Judy Reyes and J. Smith-Cameron, the film was written by the This Is Us duo of Elizabeth Berger and Isaac Aptaker, who also exec produced alongside Richard Brener, Nikki Ramey and Paulina Sussman for New Line Cinema, as well as Laura Quicksilver, Bart Lipton, Green and Rosianna Halse Rojas.

Merced’s previous credits include Transformers: The Last Knight, Instant Family, Sicario: Day of the Soldado, Dora and the Lost City of Gold and Sweet Girl.

ABC Renews Ramón Rodríguez’s Drama Series “Will Trent” for Third Season

Ramón Rodríguez’s latest project Will continue…

ABC has renewed drama series Will Trent, starring the 44-year-old Puerto Rican actor, for a third season.

Ramón RodríguezBased on Karin Slaughter’s New York Times bestselling Will Trent books, the series follows the titular special agent of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation who was abandoned at birth and endured a harsh coming-of-age in Atlanta’s overwhelmed foster care system. Now, Will uses his unique point of view to pursue justice and has the highest clearance rate in the GBI.

Will Trent also stars Erika Christensen as Angie Polaski, Iantha Richardson as Faith Mitchell, Jake McLaughlin as Michael Ormewood and Sonja Sohn as Amanda Wagner.

Liz Heldens, Dan Thomsen, Slaughter, Oly Obst and Howard Deutch executive produce. Rodriguez serves as co-executive producer on Season 2.

The pilot episode was written by Heldens and Thomsen, and directed and executive produced by Paul McGuigan. The series is produced by 20th Television, a part of Disney Television Studios.

The show’s renewal isn’t surprising, given the series’ ratings success.

Season-to-date, Will Trent is a top performer across both linear and streaming, and is gaining ratings momentum among adults across all platforms, up each week since its second-season premiere on February 20.

The sophomore drama recently reached its highest rated episode ever on March 5, delivering 9.02 million total viewers in seven-day metrics. Since Season 1, the show has reached nearly 70 million total viewers across platforms.

Will Trent received an early Season 2 renewal last year on the heels of Season 1’s promising performance. The series led the ABC freshman pack as the No. 1 new drama in total viewers (9.9 million) and adults 18-49 (1.65 rating) after 35 days of viewing across linear and digital platforms.

Will Trent airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on ABC.

Hagan Oliveras to Star in Broadway Revival of Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town”

Hagan Oliveras is coming to Town

The upcoming fall Broadway revival of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town will feature a 28-actor cast, including the Latino actor.

Hagan OlivaresThe cast will be led by Jim Parsons, Zoey DeutchKatie HolmesEphraim Sykes and Richard Thomas, per the producers.

The strictly limited engagement, directed by Kenny Leon, will begin previews at the Barrymore Theatre on Tuesday, September 17 ahead of an opening on Thursday, October 10.

Parsons will play the Stage Manager, with Deutch as Emily Webb, Holmes as Mrs. Webb, Sykes as George Gibbs and Thomas as Mr. Webb. Billy Eugene Jones will play Dr. Gibbs, Michelle Wilson will be Mrs. Gibbs and Julie Halston will portray Mrs. Soames. Donald Webber Jr. will play Simon Stimpson.

Also in the cast: Ephie Aardema, Heather Ayers, Willa Bost, Bobby Daye, Safiya Kaijya Harris, Doron JéPaul, Shyla Lefner, Anthony Michael Lopez, John McGinty, Bryonha Marie, Kevyn Morrow, Noah Pyzik, Sky Smith, Bill Timoney, Matthew Elijah Webb and Nimene Sierra Wureh.

Two final actors will be announced at a later date.

The production’s design team will include scenic design by Beowulf Boritt; costume design by Dede Ayite; lighting design by Allen Lee Hughes; and sound design by Justin Ellington.

The first Broadway revival of Our Town since a 2002 production that starred Paul Newman as the Stage Manager, the classic drama set in Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire, originally debuted on Broadway in 1938, winning the Pulitzer Prize and quickly becoming one of the most beloved and staged American plays of the 20th Century.

“Thornton Wilder’s Our Town in my mind stands at the top of the Mount Rushmore of great American Theatre,” said director Leon in a statement. “I feel blessed and fortunate to have gained the trust of The Wilder estate to present this classic to another generation of theatre lovers. It’s long been a burning desire to collaborate on a Broadway production of such magnitude that speaks so beautifully and intimately to all people about our shared time on the planet.”

The revival is being produced by Jeffrey Richards, Hunter Arnold, Patty Baker, Craig Balsam, Irene Gandy, Rebecca Gold, Louise Gund, Willette & Manny Klausner, M/B/P Productions, Daryl Roth and Jayne Baron Sherman.

Olivares previous credits include American Horror Stories.

MGM+ Releases Teaser Trailer for Danny Pino’s New 1970s Crime Thriller Series “Hotel Cocaine”

Danny Pino is bracing for a mutiny

MGM+ has released a teaser trailer for the 1970s crime thriller Hotel Cocaine, starring the 49-year-old Cuban American actor.

Danny PinoThe premiere of the eight-episode series will be available on June 16 on MGM+, with new episodes airing on Sundays until August 4.

In addition to Pino, the cast includes Michael Chiklis, Mark Feuerstein, Yul Vazquez, Tania Watson, Corina Bradley and Laura Gordon.

New cast additions include Don Mike, Pedro Giunti, Lola Claire, Matthew Del Negro, Victor Oliveira, Robert Beck, Sam Robards and Candy Santana.

From Chris Brancato and Guillermo NavarroHotel Cocaine tells the story of Roman Compte (Pino), a Cuban exile and general manager of the Mutiny Hotel, the glamorous epicenter of the Miami cocaine scene of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s.

The Mutiny Hotel was Casablanca on cocaine; a glitzy nightclub, restaurant, and hotel frequented by Florida businessmen and politicians, international narcos, CIA and FBI agents, models, sports stars and musicians. At the center of it all was Compte, who was doing his best to keep it all going and fulfill his American Dream.

Recurring cast: Don Mike plays “Omar,” the Mutiny Club maitre’d. Pedro Giunti plays “Guillermo,” Nestor’s henchman and driver. Claire plays “Trini,” a Mutiny Girl. Santana plays “Gale,” a Mutiny Girl and Janice’s right hand.

Guest cast: Del Negro plays “Phil Nolan,” Janice’s abusive ex-boyfriend. Oliveira plays “Alvaro Gomez,” an emissary of Henao and Yolanda’s cartel. Beck plays “Marty Owens,” a customs official on Henao’s payroll. Robards plays “Hal,” Nestor and Burton’s former CIA handler.

Prevously announced guest stars include Mayra Hermosillo, Juan Pablo Raba, Erniel Baez, Nick Barkla, Cale Ambrozic, Camila Valero and Maggie Lacey.

Brancato created the series and serves as executive producer and showrunner. Navarro directed the pilot and executive produces the series alongside Brancato, with Michael Panes and Alfredo Barrios Jr. also serving as executive producers.

Hotel Cocaine is produced by MGM+ Studios, in association with Stan in Australia and internationally distributed by Amazon MGM Studios Distribution.

Adriyan Rae to Appear on Mara Brock Akil’s Netflix Series “Forever”

Adriyan Rae has found her Forever home… 

The part-Venezuelan actress has landed a recurring role on Netflix’s Forever.

Adriyan RaeCreated by Mara Brock Akil, Forever is a reimagining of the 1975 novel by Judy Blume and follows the epic love story of two Black teens exploring their identities through the awkward — and moving — journey of being each other’s firsts in 2018 Los Angeles.

Like its inspiration, the show will examine “the idea of your first love being with you forever,” said Brock Akil, who created acclaimed stories of Black love and growth like sitcom Girlfriends and drama Being Mary Jane. She was also a writer on the YA comedy Moesha.

Oscar winner Regina King will serve as executive producer and will direct the first episode.

Rae will portray Brittany, one of Keisha’s older cousins, and is described as a social climber who looks out for Keisha and her well-being like an older sister—even if she usually does it with a sarcastic sense of humor and blunt direct attitude. Brittany is a loyal support system for Keisha and her mom Shelly, and always brings a sense of fun to wherever she goes —including affectionately calling Keisha ‘Urkel’ due to her book smart nature.

Lovie Simone will star as Keisha Clarke and Michael Cooper Jr. will portray Justin Edwards. Karen Pittman, and Wood Harris round out the cast so far.

Within the television sphere, Rae currently stars as ‘Brittany Pitts’ in Paramount+’s reboot of The Game. Additionally, she recently led the cast of SYFY’s series Vagrant Queen, starred in NBC’s Chicago Fire and Hulu’s horror-thriller series Light As A Feather, and has guest starred on various shows including FX’s Atlanta, BET’s American Soul, and FOX’s musical drama Star, from the producers of Empire.

In film, she has had roles in Sony’s Superfly with Jennifer Morrison, Trevor Jackson and Michael Kenneth Williams, and Netflix’s Burning Sands alongside Alfre Woodard and Trevante Rhodes.

ABC Renews Ryan Guzman’s “9-1-1” Series for Eighth Season

Ryan Guzman has more emergency responses in his future…

ABC has renewed 9-1-1, starring the 36-year-old half-Mexican American actor, for an eighth season.

Ryan GuzmanGuzman, who joined the cast in Season 2, portrays Edmundo “Eddie” Diaz in the procedural drama .

The season seven premiere of 9-1-1 in March delivered a cumulative audience of 11.76 million total viewers within the first seven days, and marked the series’ highest-rated multi-platform telecast in nearly two years in Adults 18-49. It paid homage to the disaster thriller The Poseidon Adventure.

The drama stands as ABC’s most-watched current series across all platforms this season.

Created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Tim Minear9-1-1 is produced by 20th Television, a part of Disney Television Studios, in association with Ryan Murphy Television and Brad Falchuk Teley-Vision.

9-1-1 moved to ABC after six seasons on Fox ,where it was consistently one of the highest-rated shows. It now fits nicely into ABC’s Thursday lineup with Grey’s Anatomy and Station 19, both of which do well for for the Disney-owned broadcaster. This week’s new episode will mark the series’ 100th episode.

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