Reed Between The Lines

First of all, I’d like to say: I really don’t like Joan for Theo. But on the other hand, she finally got married - even if it wasn’t to Shawn. Now let me stop comparing my favourite series with real life. Tracee Ellis Ross and Malcolm Jamal Warner star in Reed Between The Lines – which premieres on BET in South Africa on 15 November but you can catch a preview of the series on 25 October just before the repeat of the BET Hip Hop Awards. In this series, the pair are married. She’s a psychiatrist and he’s an English professor. Mmmkay. They’ve got three kids and meddling co-workers. I, for one, am always tickled when Tracee is on screen. So I’m very excited to see how this new show pans out. And if it’s a choice between her being all hugged up with Theo Huxtable or Akon’s little brother, I choose Shawn. Nevermind me.

The Cypher

The BET Hip Hop Awards will air in South Africa on Top TV this weekend. Yes, Lil Wayne has the most nominations. No, Gucci Mane didn't show up with another face tattoo. Yes, Mike Epps is the host and no, Willow and Jaden won't be doing their rendition of Bus' It Baby at the awards which were taped in Atlanta. Boohoo. All those things are great but what most people only ever look forward to is The Cypher. Treated in black and white, this is where the artists who don't really have major record label backing as well as some rap greats (Common, Black Thought etc) get to spit their 16s to DJ Premiere scratches. Two years ago, Nicki Minaj finally won some folks over - even though they scratched their heads at that cigarette move - when she was featured alongside Joe Budden, Buckshot and Crown Royyal. This year, The Cypher will feature the likes of Gilbere Forte (you know Dude did an air punch to Gilbere's inclusion, right?), Chris Sutton, XV and Jay Rock amongst others. So until we can see more footage, here's something for you to snack on:

2009 BET Hip Hop Awards "The Cypher" Crown Royyal, Nicki Minaj, Buckshot & Joe Budden from Crown Royyal on Vimeo.