Entertainment
Chris Tucker Rocked Heinz Hall
By Mercedes J. Howze
Special to the NNPA via The New Pittsburgh Courier
PITTSBURGH (NNPA) — Chris Tucker defied two really big Pittsburgh untruths on May 1 for his show in the Cultural District. First, the “Friday” star was on time. The comedian was not drowned out with four opening acts. He hit the stage at approximately 8:20 p.m.—that’s 20 minutes after the start time. That has to be a record.
Secondly, Tucker put on a respectable show without incident at one of the classiest venues in Pittsburgh, Heinz Hall. I’ll never understand why performers use Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall when Heinz Hall is a beautiful, lovely location.
And get this—he was on stage for 90 minutes! Ninety minutes! He did not have a drink, a cigarette, water bottle or any other accessory that comedians normally bring to the stage.
I have never seen that much energy on the stage from a headlining comedian. Tucker is undeniably funny. From his troubles with the IRS to serenading the crowd with his unique voice, Tucker resembled his early days on “Def Comedy Jam.”
The turnout wasn’t bad either. Between a Marvin Sapp concert at Mt. Ararat Baptist Church and hundreds of boxing fans flocking to Vegas for fight night, people came out to support the “Rush Hour” star.
As for the age of old question: Will Chris Tucker star in “Last Friday” or “Rush Hour 4?’ I don’t know if there’s any real hope for Tucker to complete the fourth installments of either movie. But, I’m confident that he’s ready for both, if presented with the opportunity
In previous interviews, the 39-year-old was adamant about not participating in anymore “Fridays.” But, during his show, it seemed as if he was wrestling with the idea. Although the storyline for “Last Friday” would be difficult seeing as how Mike Epps is the new funny face for that film series. Is there enough room for both Smokey and Day-Day on one screen? I doubt it.
“Friday” Director F. Gary Gray reunited with the original cast for the 20th anniversary. The movie was re-released in select theatres on April 20. The movie’s soundtrack, which eventually went double platinum, was also re-released to commemorate the milestone. Tucker posted a picture on his Instagram of the reunion:
In other Ice Cube news, “Barbershop 3” will be released February 2016 and it is starring Ice Cube, Cedric The Entertainer and Nicki Minaj. Sidenote: Why did Eve get the boot? You know Ice Cube is good for replacing somebody.
As for “Rush Hour 4,” Tucker says he calls Warner Brothers everyday asking them to make another “Rush Hour.” “Rush Hour” will always be my favorite comedic movie series.
Tucker has a few things coming up. In July, Netflix is set to release the actor’s first stand-up comedy special, “Chris Tucker Live.” On a personal note, Tucker is engaged to Atlanta news anchor and longtime girlfriend, Cynne Simpson. He joked briefly about his upcoming nuptials, a pre-nup and the difficulties of dating prior to Miss Simpson.
Tucker gave Pittsburgh a clean, versatile show.
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#NNPA BlackPress
IN MEMORIAM: Legendary Funk Pioneer Sly Stone Dies at 82
Sly Stone’s musical approach radically reshaped popular music. He transcended genre boundaries and empowered a new generation of artists. The band’s socially conscious message and infectious rhythms sparked a wave of influence, reaching artists as diverse as Miles Davis, George Clinton, Prince, Dr. Dre, and the Roots.

By Stacy M. Brown
BlackPressUSA.com Newswire
Sylvester “Sly” Stewart—known to the world as Sly Stone, frontman of the groundbreaking band Sly and the Family Stone—has died at the age of 82.
His family confirmed that he passed away peacefully at his Los Angeles home surrounded by loved ones, after battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other health complications.
Born March 15, 1943, in Denton, Texas, Stone moved with his family to Vallejo, California, as a child. He began recording gospel music at age 8 with his siblings in a group called the Stewart Four. By his teenage years, he had mastered multiple instruments and was already pioneering racial integration in music—an ethos that would define his career.
In 1966, Sly and his brother Freddie merged their bands to form Sly and the Family Stone, complete with a revolutionary interracial, mixed-gender lineup.
The band quickly became a commercial and cultural force with hits such as “Dance to the Music,” “Everyday People,” and “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)”—all penned by Stone himself.
Their album “Stand!” (1969) and live performances—most notably at Woodstock—cemented their reputation, blending soul, funk, rock, gospel, and psychedelia to reflect the optimism and turmoil of their era.
Sly Stone’s musical approach radically reshaped popular music. He transcended genre boundaries and empowered a new generation of artists. The band’s socially conscious message and infectious rhythms sparked a wave of influence, reaching artists as diverse as Miles Davis, George Clinton, Prince, Dr. Dre, and the Roots.
As the 1970s progressed, Stone confronted personal demons. His desire to use music as a response to war, racism, and societal change culminated in the intense album “There’s a Riot Goin’ On” (1971). But drug dependency began to undermine both his health and professional life, leading to erratic behavior and band decline through the early 1980s.
Withdrawn from the public eye for much of the 1990s and early 2000s, Stone staged occasional comebacks. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grammys in 2017, and captured public attention following the 2023 release of his memoir “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)”—published under Questlove’s imprint. He also completed a biographical screenplay and was featured in Questlove’s documentary “Sly Lives!” earlier this year.
His influence endured across generations. Critics and historians repeatedly credit him with perfecting funk and creating a “progressive soul,” shaping a path for racial integration both onstage and in the broader culture.
“Rest in beats Sly Stone,” legendary Public Enemy frontman Chuck D posted on social media with an illustrative drawing of the artist. “We should thank Questlove of the Roots for keeping his fire blazing in this century.”
Emmy-winning entertainment publicist Danny Deraney also paid homage. “Rest easy Sly Stone,” Deraney posted. “You changed music (and me) forever. The time he won over Ed Sullivan’s audience in 1968. Simply magical. Freelance music publicist and Sirius XM host Eric Alper also offered a tribute.
“The funk pioneer who made the world dance, think, and get higher,” Alper wrote of Sly Stone. “His music changed everything—and it still does.”
Sly Stone is survived by three children.
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