‘Brown Sugar,’ Full of Potential, Bittersweet And Sour

 

Brown Sugar film poster.

Recently rewatched Rick Fumiymao’s Brown Sugar and must note that several featured hip hop artists talking about falling in love with the genre are problematic towards women— Russell Simmons, Talib Kweli. Also, no real-life women pioneers spoke— MC Lyte, Roxanne Shante, Da Brat (seeing as this seemed mostly Def Jam affiliated), etc. Perhaps they thought having Queen Latifah co-star as divorcee Francine in the film was enough. 

Probably would have made for an excellent story if Francine (Queen Latifah) was an underground MC that Syd (Sanaa Lathan) interviewed for a future Vibe story. DP: Jeff Barnett and Enrique Chediak. 

They reserved the hip hop love for Syd Shaw—Francine’s cousin.  

Unlike Love & Basketball which also features the “childhood friends to lovers” trope (also starring Sanaa Lathan), Brown Sugar does not have the violent scene between Black boys and Black girls. Little Syd bonds with Dre Ellis over watching Slick Rick rap battle on the playground, their heads bobbing together in a rhythm. Years later, Syd has become a hip hop journalist sensation, a Columbia University grad; pitching for L. A. Times and obtaining a sweet gig at Vibe Magazine. Whereas Dre has sold his soul as an A&R executive at a corny record label more interested in manufacturing gold and platinum hits than finding artists with the pure authentic sound Dre searches for. The best thing about Dre is that he reads and saves Syd’s writings. He respects her talent and shows pride in her success; harboring no ill will, no jealousy— on that particular front. 

Dre (Taye Diggs) proposes to Reese— a woman he has known for only a few months. DP: Jeff Barnett and Enrique Chediak.

Optically, Brown Sugar is no Love Jones either. There are no sistahs proudly wearing locs and afros, no vibe that correlates with the chords of D’Angelo’s 1995 track and album sharing the film title. At a Simmons party, the man himself enters with the statuesque Kimora Lee Simmons surrounded by lighter complexion women. The Black men, however, are the ones allowed to arrive in all shades including Dre who introduces Reese— his thin, bright eyed lawyer-girlfriend to Syd. Scientifically, brown sugar is processed by adding molasses to sugar— not to compare Black people to food, but towards Dre’s philosophy that a brown sugar woman is someone respectable with the whole complete package and other type (the women called derogatory names in the hip hop lyrics) are still good for one thing only. 

Brown Sugar’s other downside unfortunately rests on Dre’s shoulders. Before his big wedding day to an almost complete stranger, he visits Syd (who ironically opens her door wearing a towel and neglects to don a robe) and unleashes his nervous uncertainty. Syd comforts him with a hug and a passionate kiss. Thus, this set up trying to say that men and women can be friends even when one friend is barely dressed fails. Dre married anyway, but would later reference this scene as the moment he realizes that he loved Syd more than a platonic buddy. 

Reese was just a woman invested in the wrong man at the wrong time. DP: Jeff Barnett and Enrique Chediak.

Reese would eventually become the woman we feel most sorry for. She married a man who cheated on her before her wedding day— a man who likely thought about Syd the entire time he feigned loving Reese. Dre cannot tell Reese that he quit his job first, let alone other secrets that he tells to Syd, especially regarding their marriage. Dre’s emotional connection to Syd would always be coming between Dre and Reese, something that should have been better established. Then again, Dre and Reese knew little about each other despite Reese kindly inviting Syd to her wedding shower as a way of getting closer to her man’s BFF. That backfired quickly once Syd witnessed all the flirtatious men surrounding a flattered Reese— and Syd was quick to expose that to Dre. This showcases that Syd can lift a man up when he’s down, but when times get tough Reese is weighing her next options. 

The slightly narcissistic Kelby promises to read all of Syd’s past and current articles. DP: Jeff Barnett and Enrique Chediak.

Syd, a smart, educated writer working on her first book, finds a date outside of her “face massager,” kicking it off well with basketball player Kelby Dawson. He finesses her quite lavishly with prepared dinners and flowers galore, using his wealth to woo her like a Queen. Perhaps no man has ever treated Syd in such a way including the subjects of her articles, let alone Dre. Yet, Syd always finds the time to save Dre— a man who did not save money to start his record label before abruptly quitting his job. You cannot fault a man for leading his life with dignity and purpose, but he must bear responsibility for being a weak life planner— in career and marriage— both of which affects Syd. She lends Dre money, listens to his growing jealousy of Kelby, and scouts alongside Dre to hear the rapper named Cav— a cab driver by day, a performer at night. In the meantime, Syd and Dre are becoming closer once more, leading to life-altering late night confessions that cause them both to put their desires above everything else. 

Sadly, Syd cheats on Kelby with a six-minute Dre (who is not even divorced from Reese yet). DP: Jeff Barnett and Enrique Chediak.

Before Love Actually, Dre wrote on a cue card asking Syd to date him at the radio station via elementary school style. Is it a creative nod to their childhood together or a symbolism of future struggle love? DP: Jeff Barnett and Enrique Chediak. 

So while Syd and Dre’s romance is bonafide messy, Francine is wasted for sexual innuendo and soundboard— that typical sidekick stereotype. The underdeveloped relationship between Francine and Cav deserved more attention and care— these two characters were the real scene stealers too. At a runtime of an hour and forty-nine minutes, five-to ten minutes of extra dialogue, a date, a dance, a unique moment for them would have sufficed. 

Francine asks the awkward stumbling Cav out. DP: Jeff Barnett and Enrique Chediak.  

Dre and Syd may be kissing away in Angie Martinez’s Hot 97 radio station, but it’s what’s blossoming in the background leaving room to be desired. DP: Jeff Barnett and Enrique Chediak. 

Overall, the Brown Sugar soundtrack is the film’s real treat— of course, skip the problematic musicians though. 

Looking Back on ‘Last Holiday,’ It Just Turned Sweet Sixteen

Last Holiday film poster.

When considering the role capitalism plays in a modern day employee’s life, Last Holiday highlights how insignificant employees become. Jobs can turn into one’s entire being, so much so that paused dreams may never form into reality. Founder and CEO salaries make beyond a living wage, but rarely step foot into the office or factory for extended long hours. Although worker strikes against problematic conditions like racism, sexism, and time off have forever existed, the current pandemic brought forward countless discrepancies— bodies severely overworked among rising death and ultimately replaced.   

Georgia (Queen Latifah) allows her voice to be drowned out in the church choir.

The sixteen-year-old Last Holiday is a remake of the classic starring Alec Guinness as a lonely farmhand equipment salesman. In the later rendition, Georgia Byrd, a humble department store sales lady has big chef dreams kept secretly inside a Possibilities scrapbook. She also nurses a huge crush on her co-worker Shawn Williams— a salesman in appliances. Georgia dissolves fully into her work; finding joy in preparing gourmet meals for the customers. Yet the belittling store manager berates her for giving out free samples. Georgia’s daily hell is the typical societal norm: take the verbal lashing, perform your duties and the duties of another due to understaffing, and most important of all— try not to sustain work related injuries. At home, Georgia cooks exceptional meals for Darius, a little boy neighbor and his grandmother— but rarely indulges. Also, her sister— a single mother— often needs Georgia to babysit. Georgia, essentially a caretaker to everyone but herself, keeps working time clock or no time clock. 

Pre-Instagram foodie culture—Georgia enjoyed recreating Emeril Lagasse cuisine with her soulful twist and taking photographs. She put them in her Possibilities scrapbook.  

While Darius eats an original Georgia Byrd creation over Coke, Georgia (wearing a track suit) has microwaved Lean Cuisine and a Diet Coke.

After a small incident at work turns into a largely unexpected health scare that HMO won’t even cover, Georgia decides to live life by her terms. A workplace that doesn’t ensure the well-being of its employees deserves no staunch loyalty. Georgia’s boss offers her as far as a pitiful dollar raise— all while listening to the company CEO Matthew Kragen dish advice to being “young, rich, and hip.” Narcissistic Matthew broadcasts his wealth on the cover of his magazines and ensures that his words will motivate others to the top. Georgia had given herself to his company for fifteen-years. She shouldn’t have to wait until society’s privileged doors opened up. No one should wait to turn possibilities into realities. But under capitalism.....

Saw this trending on Twitter and imagined Georgia’s boss writing an email this insensitive.

Before the doctor (who may or may not be a quack) gives Georgia a cat scan, he does mention that the machine came “new to them.” A used, likely faulty problem means Georgia will receive what her corrupt and cheap workplace can afford. And it will not be accurate.

A brave Shawn (LL Cool J) finally asks out Georgia (Queen Latifah) to a sports event happening weeks away. Thinking she won’t be alive then, Georgia sadly declines. 

Georgia mulls over taking the “good and faithful” path and still being punished. The truth is no matter how straight a person chooses to live (especially a Black person and a Black woman at that), the system has been designed to fail many regardless. Georgia learns this the long and hard way. You give a job most of your “good years” and the rewards are often more detrimental to the body and mind than not. Georgia’s boss did not even want to tell her that she was the reason their branch thrived. He paid her little compliment. Imagine fifteen years of that! 

After quitting her toxic job, Georgia empties her bank account and finally flies to Europe. On the problematic flight, however, she goes off— rightfully so— and switches to business class. Yes! Georgia treats herself repeatedly and it’s well earned. Obviously, she should have taken prior vacations and not allow work to become her life. She turns regrets into overdue fun and enjoyment. When she learns that her layover is delayed, she takes a helicopter and arrives early to her destination—Grandhotel Pupp Hotel in Karlovy Vary. A very tired Georgia will not wait for her room to be ready and upgrades to a suite! She is truly carefree— with her money, wardrobe, and personality! It was time. 

One of the best parts— Georgia’s montage of wearing luxury clothes that were made for her. This purple dress was a stunner. 

And that luminous smile made it everything. 

Georgia is having a ball, a real Cinderella moment. She indulges in every massage perk— even those healing spa waters— at the hotel. She’s skiing, diving off passes, and gambling— just checking her bucket list right and left. Unfortunately department store CEO Matthew is also vacationing there. Immediately, he is rattled by the attention Georgia receives from everyone including a charmed Senator George Billings and impressed Chef Didier. Heck, another sprouts out how awesome it would be if Georgia bought plates at his campaign fundraising dinners as well. He saw her as a dollar figure— not a person. Unbeknownst to Matthew, it is due to Georgia coming out of her shell, taking life by the bull horns. Matthew— accustomed to attention mainly due to his wealth and not that personality— lets his envy grow like a weed. His competitiveness does not phase Georgia at all. In fact, she is rather entertained by it. 

Also Matthew happens to be racially insensitive— as rich white people often intend to be— implying that Senator Billings must know Georgia (they are the only brown skinned people at the hotel). In a hilarious yet genuinely amazing reply Senator Billings says, “I don’t know every Black person.” Yet, when Matthew sees Senator Billings and Georgia talking and swimming together in the spa, Matthew still insists that they know each other— blindly dismissing that Senator Billings finds Georgia attractive. 

Unlike Shawn, the very smitten Senator George Billings (Giancarlo Esposito) who also lives in Georgia’s town, approached Georgia (Queen Latifiah) with the quickness. 

And Chef Didier (Gerard Depardieu) also enjoyed Georgia (Queen Latifah)— a no substitutions kind of a woman!

Matthew—who has had enough of Georgia spreading positive energy— decides to humiliate her in a toast.  

“You made us think you were somebody.” 

The kicker—Georgia is a somebody! She may not have been born rich or hung around in upper crust circles. She may not travel the world every day. Georgia, like the rest of lower middle class, poor, and other disfranchised people, is a human being worthy of compassion. Everybody should live how they want without judgement. Matthew’s “how dare you think you’re better than me” demeanor enhances his evil smirk during his backfired foolishness. Georgia owed him nothing because she never put on airs for anyone’s benefit. This scene showcases the contempt affluent people can exhibit over someone else’s happiness, over someone else’s inherent wealth. By trying to humiliate Georgia, Matthew thought everyone at the table would join in his distasteful open mockery and his disdain— his power over being a boss and her being his employee. She rightfully usurped his “mastery”completely. So what if she worked for his company in her past? Her department performed the best anyway. He does not own the world. He is not entitled to how she spends her saved money. This woman thought her life was over. 

When Georgia leaves, everyone also follows suit— leaving Matthew to his bottle of expensive champagne. 

Senator Billings shoots his shot…

But Georgia was looking for “realities not possibilities” in her choice of romance.

Last Holiday provides the proper curvy Black woman representation. Queen Latifah— thirty-four years old at the time— puts on a startling, multifaceted performance as a plain, reserved, church-going woman slowly breaking free from the chains of work. She doesn’t talk about her weight in self-hating fashion and she is no Mammy figure. Not only is she desired by several suitors, Georgia loves what she sees in the mirror. She dresses up in expensive, designer clothes and eats whatever she wants at the restaurant. Yes, she physically changes from her frumpy attire, but the most genuine element to her transformation is that smile. Georgia smiles more and that enhances a beauty that was already present. Thus, if Georgia Byrd can exist, surely other curvy Black women don’t have to become stuck in a tired trope.

Matthew tried to humiliate Georgia. He tried. Pitiful effort though. 

Georgia didn’t have to explain anything to Matthew, but her speech was beautifully said and portrayed.

With the exception of the alleged abuser, it was great to witness two phenomenal real-life hip hop MC’s falling in love; a little part squealing at the thought of LL Cool J’s Shawn rapping I Need Love to the Unity Queen Latifah’s Georgia. Plus, the excellent addition of Giancarlo Esposito as the polar opposite of Shawn— a man going after what he wanted full force. Although there were not many scenes of Georgia and Shawn in Europe together, which left a huge opening for Senator Billings to smoothly sweep in, Georgia knew who her heart wanted. Those many miles apart did not change her feelings. And what made this wickedly delicious  triangle successful—these three incredibly gifted individuals. 

A kiss on the ledge is a nice start to for two people who were too shy to speak about feelings at their former job.

Happily ever after for restauranteur Georgia and her love, Shawn. 

Last Holiday may have turned sixteen, but several parts ring true now. Georgia continuously makes light of dying and people think her to be joking. Or they’re not listening to her altogether. The woman is suffering. No one is paying real attention. Our jobs should not define who we were. We have something more to offer besides manual labor. Most importantly, paid vacations are necessary. Paid vacations can be staying home a week or traveling off to another country. Georgia Byrd shows the validity of experiencing just a piece of what Matthew types experience everyday. Also— misdiagnosis is a huge reality for the Black community. Always has been. 

For a sweet, feel good movie with humor, warmth, and inspiration, Last Holiday has the key.*

*if your job is no longer serving you, quit if you can. 

Happy Birthday, Queen Latifah: Fem Film Rogue Icon Spotlight

Happy birthday, Queen Latifah.

Is there anyone more iconic than the sensational, multitalented Queen Latifah?

Born Dana Elaine Evans on this day, the U.N.I.T.Y. rapper, singer, actress, talk show host, entrepreneur, and producer first took flight on the music circuit with giant bold hats, flashy jewelry, and kente fashion, weaving a proud African Diaspora into her songs and imagery.

Scooter (Cress Williams, left) and Alonzo (Adam Lazarre-White) battled for Khadijah (Queen Latifah, center) in Living Single.

On television, Latifah currently plays in Star, but it was Khadijah James that first revealed her silver screen potential. Every week, viewers tuned in on FOX's Living Single partly due to a full figured, voluptuous lead who owned Flava Magazine, supported her girlfriends through their hilarious hijinks and was the apple of many men's eyes like cameo loves from Morris Chestnut, Grant Hill, and Isaiah Washington. Although Latifah scored a NAACP Image nomination, the Emmy's and Golden Globes ignored the dynamic Living Single, preferring white Friends, the copycat much later on.

The classic Set It Off's bank robbing Black women clique: Stony (Jada Pinkett-Smith), Tisean (Kimberly Elise), Cleo (Queen Latifah), and Frankie (Vivica A. Fox).

In the meantime, Latifah has had great roles in the film arena like the feisty lesbian Cleo Sims in Set it Off-- leading to an Independent Spirit Award nomination. She has starred with fellow rappers and again, treated as a goddess to pursue in Brown Sugar (with Mos Def), Last Holiday (with LL Cool J), and Just Wright (with Common). Brown Sugar, is a small but minor part for Latifah and Last Holiday (if you can forget the whole hotel segment with the uninteresting white people and focus only on Latifah and LL Cool J) is the more tolerable gem of the three.

Mama (Queen Latifah) belts it out.

Latifah's memorable performance in Chicago truly put Hollywood on notice (though the Black community already knew Latifah was exceptionally gifted). For the incredibly nuanced Manton Mama Morton, a busty blues singer and leader of the prison row circuit that Roxie (Renee Zellweger) finds herself in, Latifiah is full of magnificent gusto and relish in an anti-mammy archetype. Her every scene is a steal. Latifah garnered Oscar and Golden Globe nominations, but the critics favored her co-star Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Queen Latifah plays the illustrious Bessie Smith in the HBO film Bessie; directed by Oscar nominated Dee Rees. It's a match made in heaven.

The Grammy award-winning Latifah has gone on to phenomenal career highlights scoring a Gracie Allen, Image, SAG, and Golden Globe for playing an AIDS activist Life Support and winning accolades for playing noted singer Bessie Smith-- a NAMIC, Image, SAG, Black Reel, and an Emmy (for producing). She created the Queen cosmetics line for Cover Girl, hosted a talk show, co-wrote Put on Your Crown: Life-Changing Moments on the Path to Queendom and authored Queen of the Scene, a children's book. She has starred in the Ice Age films, Hairspray, Steel Magnolias (all Black remake of the 90's classic), Flint, and Girls Trip.

The Girls Trip's flosse posse was a huge R rated hit! Lisa (Jada Pinkett Smith), Ryan (Regina Hall), Sasha (Queen Latifah), and Dina (Tiffany Haddish) attend the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans. 

With an impressive career spanning decades and touching countless generations along the way, Latifah continues being a jack of all trades. She enters every creative avenue as though always belonging. She carves out a niche for herself and others, a leading personality in opening doors. Her production company, Flavor Unit Entertainment, has recently teamed with Essence in order to support makers of color. They'll be financed to create and promote new content that focuses on the life experiences Black women endure. In addition, she launched The Queen Collective-- a way of putting women directors on the map via film, TV, and commercials.

Although not yet directing, Latifah does hope to shoot a comic book adaptation (Storm or Vixen would be perfect) or a science fiction film (Works by Nalo Hopkinson, Tananarive Due, and Octavia Butler come to mind). She has upcoming roles in The Trap co-starring T. I. and Mike Epps and the Master Plan biopic Master of the South.

Whether its behind-the-scenes producing new series and films, a new rap or jazz album release, or a new film or television series, Queen Latifah always delivers a charming, charismatic, and dynamite performance.

Rest in peace to Rita Owens a shining light in Queen Latifah's life and career. It's especially memorable that she played Khadijah James' mother on Living Single. Those episodes gave a hint of their loving, tender bond. 

Memorable Queen Latifah Quotes:

"There's no way I can represent for everyone. I can't represent for all women or all big women or all black women. It's important for people not to make celebrities their source of who they should be in life. I can't take on the pressure of being perfect. Nobody is."

"I really don't know how to be anyone else, and whenever I try to be anyone else, I fail miserably. Or I disappoint myself. It doesn't build my self-esteem, and it doesn't help me grow me at all."


"It was a very vulnerable time going from being insecure about my body and who I am to becoming comfortable with me. I had to tune out what the hell everybody else had to say about who I was. When I was able to do that, I felt free."

"I wish every woman would love herself and embrace what she was given naturally."

Best TV Couple #6: Khadijah James & Terrance "Scooter" Williams

Before Gina Prince-Blythewood delivered Love and Basketball, on Yvette Lee Bowser's Living Single, first grade kickball champs, Khadijah James (Queen Latifah, right) and Terrance "Scooter" Williams (Cress Williams) had a on/off relationship.

From the moment, Terrance "Scooter" Williams stepped off the elevator of Flavor Magazine and slyly snuck up behind hard working editor/founder, Khadijah James, the sparks were shooting off like rocket launchers in Living Single's season one, episode nine, "Just Friends." With a gorgeous smile, Scooter covers Khadijah's eyes with his hands, asking the childish game, "guess who?"  When she sees her old friend, she screams and jumps on him, engaging in a humorous spin hug. It is a genuine start to friends becoming so much more.

Khadijah and Scooter's first kiss was a scorcher.

Now Khadijah is an important character in pop culture history. In addition to her unique name, she was a refreshing, sassy, voluptuous woman wearing the best HBCU sweatshirts. Her hairstyles ranged from classic sleek to box braids. Most importantly, she owned Flavor Magazine. Her baby is longest, steadiest relationship. She is always seen with a nameless computer at the office and at home, determined to meet deadlines even if a star cover falls through. Unlike Sex and the City's Carrie Bradshaw (the overpaid sex columnist with the MAC), Khadijah lived in a realistic version of New York City. Sure, she couldn't afford an expensive Manhattan bachelorette pad with extravagant shoes sitting in her closet. She called a brownstone in Brooklyn home, splitting the rent alongside her goofy cousin, Sinclaire and bougie best friend, Regine. Her other best friend, lawyer Maxine Shaw, lived nearby and came by everyday for food and gossip.

On the other hand, Scooter is a busy record producer, traveling around the world scouting for talent. He is a confident, self assured man, often knowing what he wants and taking the initiative to get it. However, he has admired Khadijah for a long time and never acted on his feelings.

In season two, episode two's "I Love This Game," Scooter trains Khadijah against her old high school opponent, Denise Hatcher.

They wind up with a hilarious case of the smooches.

On the visit to NYC to search for emerging musicians and see his old gal pal, Scooter makes the first move, seductively confessing to Khadijah. She hadn't thought of him romantically. Until, he laid down the melty, swoon inducing kisses. They spent the night at the office reacquainting in a different fashion. Later, he buys her an opened, first class airline ticket to Los Angeles. She declines the offer to fly out with him, but keeps the ticket. Sadly, she doesn't use it.

In season one finale's "What's Next," Khadijah has been dating Alonzo, a kind, attentive teacher who asks her to move in with him. Scooter returns, hiding behind a massive flower bouquet, eager to pick up where they left off. Torn Khadijah likes them both for different reasons. She chooses to pursue Scooter.

Season two, episode eight's "Trick Or Trust," explored underlying problems in Scooter and Khadijah's relationship-- a lack of faith. He puts her doubts to rest with, "you're all the woman I need."

During the second season, Khadijah and Scooter's relationship deepens. The best friends are the perfect match. Cute with plenty of loving PDA, he gets a job as director of artist relations of a local record label and she stays devoted to Flavor. In fact, she is so devoted to Flavor, Scooter often feels neglected. Eventually, he receives an offer to tour with a new group and wants her approval.

Yet, this time, he doesn't ask her to come along, knowing that she is committed to the magazine.

Scooter's sudden marriage proposal is a striking whim.

Khadijah accepts anyway.

In season three, episode nine's "Baby, I'm Back...Again," after apologizing for not keeping communication, Scooter proposes to Khadijah. Whilst planning their wedding, the two realize the relationship isn't ready to take the leap. They decide to remain friends.

In the fifth and final season, Scooter and Khadijah run into each other at a retreat, realizing that they're still in love. They end together.

Scooter has said that a boomerang symbolizes his relationship with Khadijah. 

Queen Latifah and Cress Williams are great as the lovable, cheeks pinching cute couple Khadijah and Scooter. Their chemistry was downright irresistible and pleasing as these two ordinary characters, best friends who are the loves of each other's lives. It was also a real significant mirroring of couples who fall in love over time and stay in love despite long distances. They're definitely one of the best positive representations of black love on television.