标签： Jamaica

LOS ANGELES — Acclaimed Jamaican-born actor Marcos James, who built global recognition for his standout guest role as White Rat in the hit HBO fantasy series *Game of Thrones* and his long-running turn as William French on Lifetime’s *Keeping up with the Joneses*, is set to make a much-anticipated return to his theatrical roots this summer. On June 4, James will step into the lead role of Minister Richard Allen in the new historical play *The Fighting Quaker*, making its world premiere at Los Angeles’ iconic El Portal Theatre as part of nationwide celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding.

*The Fighting Quaker* centers on the little-known story of Timothy Matlack, a Founding Father whose critical contributions to American independence have long been overlooked by mainstream history. The drama follows Matlack, portrayed by veteran actor Christopher Hoffmann, as he takes on the high-stakes task of hand-inscribing the final official version of the Declaration of Independence, all while grappling with how this work aligns with his core Quaker faith. In the narrative, Matlack crosses paths with Minister Richard Allen, a gifted orator who becomes an unexpected mentor and catalyst for change. The pair bonds over the Declaration’s most transformative principle — that “All men are created equal” — and Allen’s perspective pushes Matlack to challenge long-held traditional norms within Quaker communities, deepening his commitment to the revolutionary cause.

For James, the role of Minister Allen marks more than just a new acting credit: it is a full-circle return to the craft that launched his career. “In so many ways, taking this lead role is a trip back to where I first started in the arts,” James shared in an interview. “Even though most of my recent work has been in film and television, I cut my teeth in theater. The weeks of rehearsal have let me dig into every small layer of Minister Allen, so I’m not just playing him — I’m becoming him. Being back on stage reminds me that the best acting happens when the performance fades away, and you truly become the character you’re meant to portray.”

The production’s creative team emphasizes that the dynamic between Minister Allen and Timothy Matlack is the emotional and narrative heart of the play, with themes that remain just as relevant today as they were in 1776. “The exchanges between these two men are some of the most vital scenes in the entire production,” the team shared. “It’s not just about the profound impact Minister Allen has on Matlack’s journey. Their conversations about equality, faith, and revolution resonate across every generation, from the founding of the nation to our current cultural moment.”

James notes that the rigorous preparation process for live theater has reshaped his approach to on-screen work, teaching him lessons that translate across every medium. “The methodology you have to build for a theater performance is invaluable when you bring it over to film and TV,” he explained. “It takes a lot of deep mental work, but it’s also about letting go, trusting your instincts, and staying open to guidance from the director and the rest of the creative team. That discipline makes every performance stronger, no matter the medium.”

The production carries unique historical weight, produced by legendary Hollywood film producer Suzanne Matlack DeLaurentiis, a direct descendant of Timothy Matlack himself. DeLaurentiis boasts a decades-long career spanning iconic titles including *Rocky V* opposite Sylvester Stallone, *10th and Wolf* with James Marsden, and *Mannequin Two: On the Move* starring Kristy Swanson. *The Fighting Quaker* is helmed by prolific veteran theater director Bryan Rasmussen, who has brought dozens of historical dramas to stages across the country.

For James, the production’s deep ties to actual American history make the opportunity even more meaningful. “It’s such an extreme honor to be part of a project with this level of historical significance,” he said. “It’s fascinating that the producer is a direct descendant of Timothy Matlack. In casual conversations throughout rehearsal, I’ve gotten to hear first-hand family stories about Matlack and his place in American history that you won’t find in any textbook.”

This is not James’ first turn on major theater stages: his previous theatrical credits include a run in *The Lion King* on London’s West End, and he starred as the hero Arjuna in Sadler’s Wells’ celebrated production of *The Mahabharata*. Beyond his upcoming theater work, James remains a busy presence in film and television. He currently guest stars in the sixth season of the hit drama *The Family Business*, which streams on Paramount+, where he plays the ruthless villain Candy — an ambitious underground crime boss who goes head-to-head with Vegas Duncan, portrayed by action star Michael Jai White, and rising character Roman Johnson (Deyshaun Tucker). The standoff between the men serves as a defining turning point in the season, forcing Johnson to prove his loyalty and strength to the Duncan family.

James recalled the fast-paced energy of filming the series, noting how thrilling it was to work opposite Jai White. “We moved really fast from getting the role to stepping on set, which kept everything sharp and exciting,” he said. “Watching Michael Jai White take control of the fight sequences was incredible. It was such a fun challenge to step into the role of his main antagonist. I’ve played my share of lead villains across different projects, so I was more than ready for this one.”

Up next, James will reunite with Hybrid Productions and producer Vivica A. Fox for a featured role in the upcoming film *Wicked Wives*, currently in production working off a working title. This reunion marks another collaboration between James and the production company: he previously served as a series regular on Hybrid’s *Keeping up with the Joneses*, which airs on LMN and streams on Amazon and Apple TV, and starred as the lead villain Kody in the Amazon original film *Cabin Pressure*.

*The Fighting Quaker* will open to audiences at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, on June 4 at 6:00 p.m., kicking off a limited run of the historical drama.

The hip-hop community is mourning the loss of one of its most influential crossover pioneers Friday, with news that legendary American rapper Rob Base—born Robert Ginyard—has passed away at 59 following a public battle with cancer. The confirmation of his death came via an official statement shared to Base’s own social media pages, where fans and peers alike have since flooded the comments with tributes to his decades-long career.

Base rose to global fame alongside his creative partner DJ EZ Rock, with the pair forming a trailblazing Harlem-based rap duo in the 1980s that helped bring hip-hop from underground block parties to mainstream commercial success. It was their 1988 collaborative hit *It Takes Two* that cemented their place in music history: the chart-topping track peaked at the No. 3 position on Billboard’s Hot Dance/Club Songs chart, earned a platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and quickly became a cultural touchstone.

In the decades following its debut, *It Takes Two* has remained a staple at celebrations, dance nights, and public events around the world, proving its enduring cross-generational appeal. In 2000s ranking, VH1 placed the iconic track at No. 37 on its list of the 100 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs of all time, a testament to its lasting impact on the genre.

The official statement honoring Base celebrated both his professional legacy and personal character, writing, “Rob’s music, energy, and legacy helped shape a generation and brought joy to millions around the world.” It went on to highlight his life off the stage, adding, “Beyond the stage, he was a loving father, family man, friend, and creative force whose impact will never be forgotten. Thank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives.”

Base is not the first member of the iconic duo to pass: DJ EZ Rock, whose legal name was Rodney Bryce, died in 2014 from complications related to diabetes.

Jamaican hitmaker Gutty Bling never hid his vision for Skillibeng’s breakout single *So Phenomenal* — from the moment the young dancehall star laid down his first vocal track, the producer already heard a larger-than-life verse from dancehall icon Vybz Kartel elevating the already dynamic cut. When discussions of an official remix got underway, Gutty Bling knew exactly who to tap first to supercharge the record.

By adding UK-based reggae-dancehall star Stefflon Don to the lineup, the producer has assembled what fans are already hailing as one of the most anticipated and electrifying dancehall collaborations of 2024.

Speaking exclusively to the *Jamaica Observer*’s Splash entertainment section, Gutty Bling broke down the origins of the star-studded project: “The first day Skilli finished recording the original *So Phenomenal*, I immediately heard Kartel’s energy on the track. I know what he brings to every record he touches — he’s the King of Dancehall, Worl’ Boss, and that title didn’t come by accident. When I brought up the remix idea with Skilli, he agreed right away that Kartel was the only person who could fit that spot. I reached out to Skatta Burrell to connect with the Worl’ Boss, and everything fell into place perfectly. His verse speaks for itself — he absolutely crushed it.”

Even after locking in the dream pairing of Skillibeng and Kartel, Gutty Bling said he was determined to push the project to even greater heights by adding a dynamic female perspective to the track. His decision to recruit Stefflon Don, he explained, came from a desire to leave no stone unturned in making the remix a historic moment for dancehall.

“Putting Kartel, Skillibeng and Stefflon Don on one track? That’s next-level dancehall,” he explained. “All three artists have massive cross-genre, global appeal, and each of them has built incredibly successful solo careers. I just wanted to go all out and make something special. After we locked in Kartel’s verse, I reached out to Stefflon Don’s team, and they were just as excited to be part of the project as we were. I’ve always aimed to make music that resonates beyond Jamaica’s borders, and with all three artists already holding huge international fanbases, I know this track is going to resonate with audiences all over the world.”

In the weeks since the collaboration was teased, the star power of the remix has already dominated dancehall conversations across social media, a strong early indicator of the commercial and cultural impact the track is poised to make. While the high-profile collab will no doubt boost the profiles of the three featured artists, Gutty Bling says the project carries far greater personal significance for his own career, which has seen steady growth over recent years. He hopes the *So Phenomenal* remix will silence critics who have doubted his ability to deliver a major global hit.

“This project means the world to me, it’s a clear marker of how far I’ve come in my musical journey,” he said. “I have to thank God for this opportunity, and thank all three artists for trusting me and making this vision come together. I’ve already gotten hundreds of calls, texts and glowing feedback from fans, friends and family — it’s an incredible feeling. I can’t wait to see what new doors this single opens for me.”

As momentum around the remix continues to build, Gutty Bling has also teased upcoming expansions to the *So Phenomenal* project. The producer confirmed he is currently developing a *So Phenomenal* Riddim, a curated production package that will feature a small selection of additional dancehall tracks built around the remix’s iconic instrumental backbone.