Photo: Marilynn K. Yee, Los Angeles Times
Usage: Wikipedia CC BY 4.0
Music intro by: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles

Hey there, music and movie lovers! Let’s talk about the legendary Pam Grier, the star who brought Foxy Brown to life. She’s not just any actress. She’s a trailblazer in the blaxploitation genre, and she’s got style and sass like no other.

Just recently, the Bethesda Theater held a special event back in Sept. where fans could see the classic film *Foxy Brown* on the big screen and meet the one-and-only Pam Grier herself! It was an exclusive meet and greet, celebrating this iconic movie from 1974.

Now, let’s dive into the film. *Foxy Brown* is all about a fierce lady who’s out for vengeance after her boyfriend is taken from her by a gang of drug dealers. Pam Grier, with her fierce presence, shows us that she is a force to be reckoned with, taking down the bad guys with style and grace. The film is packed with action, drama, and a whole lot of attitude!

And let’s not forget the music! The soundtrack that fuels the fire in *Foxy Brown* was created by Willie Hutch, adding that funky vibe that makes the film so special. This movie is a classic that’s not just about the plot; it’s an experience!

If you want to know more about events like this and to catch some more great films, check out the Bethesda Theater at [bethesdatheater.com](https://bethesdatheater.com). It’s the perfect place for movie buffs to relive those golden days of cinema! So, keep groovin’ and watch out for more fabulous events!

I'm Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening.


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Promo Card: Spotify
Intro: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles

Today’s Topic: Lorie Moore and her single Proud Auntie.
We’re talking about her infectious single, “Proud Auntie (I Did That)”. You might not know the backstory, but this lady has been grinding harder than ever.

With those upbeat vibes, Lorie sweeps us into her world, singing, “I’m so elated today, and I know you might not know…”—and isn’t that the truth? She’s been laying low, but while she was under the radar, she was putting in the WORK! Hard Werk, as she puts it! Time flies, but she’s been leveling up in every step of her journey.

And let me tell you about that girl’s mentor, Tisha Campbell—what a powerhouse! When Tisha offered her a residency at the Xen Lounge, you could feel the electrifying energy in the air. It was probably like a call to arms for Lorie. In 2014, she struts onto the stage of “The X Factor”—and she didn’t just participate; grooved, and swung her way to the top 10! That’s right, folks; she made it to the big leagues, and you best believe she left a mark! Lorie released her first single/EP.

“Proud Auntie (I Did That)” released in 2024 is a celebration of accomplishments, big and small. It’s about owning every note, every high note, and every low note that has brought her to this celebratory moment! Lorie is here to remind all of us that hard work pays off and that being proud of where you come from is a beautiful thing, especially when you have folks cheering in your corner!

So, tunes like this elevate us, lifting our spirits and reminding us to wear our achievements like badges of honor. As Lorie steps into the spotlight, let’s all get ready to groove with her!

So check out her single Proud Auntie ( I Did That) at Spotify. I’m GN and you’re listening to Lounge Hype.



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Story by: Gail Nobles
Music by: Gail Nobles
Photo:  Wikipedia 
Usage: CC BY-SA 3.0

Welcome back to Lounge Hype. Today's topic is Jay Z at The Tunnel. I don't know who was the king at that New York City nightclub, but I know Jay Z was one of the main attractions. He brought excitement due to his performance.

 There is a documentary on the tunnel, and I've seen and heard most people say (from the documentary) that Jay Z was the king there. I've seen more video clips on Jay Z at the tunnel more than I have anyone. Maybe they haven't released the rest of them yet.

 You can see Jay Z live at the tunnel in 1999 on YouTube. Sometimes you'll see clips that will just say Jay Z live at the tunnel.

 Whenever Jay Z would perform at the nightclub, it would be a crowded place. There would be loud cheers from the crowd. The music would be turned up, and Jay Z and his crew would be on the mic rapping with crowd participation. The crowd would rap too. It most certainly sounded as if Jay Z were king. He made the crowd active. He made the crowd move. The behavior of the crowd was more than words for Jay Z.

 I'm Gail Nobles this is Lounge Hype. Today's topic: Jay Z. I'll be back with more about who performed at the nightclub. Stay tuned. Be sure to check out Jay Z's 1999 album volume three .. Life and times of Shawn Carter; certified triple platinum by the RIAA.

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Story by: Gail Nobles
Keyboard and voice affects by: Gail Nobles
Large crowd: Pixabay.com

Welcome back to Lounge Hype. It was 1998 when Aaliyah performed at the tunnel with Timbaland. She performed Are You That Somebody upon its release. The song received critical acclaim from music critics with them praising its offbeat innovative production. In 1999, Aaliyah earned a Grammy award nomination for best female R&B vocal performance for the song. Initially, it was ineligible to chart on the billboard hot 100 mainly because it was an airplay single not commercially reloaded to retail stores. In December 1998, Billboard change it's policy to allow airplay only songs to chart on the Hot 100 and the song eventually peak at number 21.

Another performer that performed at the hip-hop club was rapper Eve. She was live at the Tunnel 2000. Eve performed her single Let's Talk Abouta It featuring Drag On. Some say Eve was hot and smoking at the Tunnel. Some say she was the queen.

The single let's talk about it came from the album Let There Be Eve … Ruff Riders First Lady. Eve had a lot to say in that title. The album was released in 1999. All the songs on the album were written by Eve herself. It sold over 200,000 copies in the first week. The album has sold over 2 million copies and was certified double platinum by the RIAA. Eve became the third female hip-hop artist to have her album peak and number one on the Billboard 200.

When Eve perform Let's Talk About It at the tunnel with Drag On, the crowd was waving their hands and rapping with them.

I’m Gail Nobles. I’ll be back with more about the night club The Tunnel in NYC.

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Photo: Mika-photography - Own work
Usage: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0
Story by: Gail Nobles

The tunnel was a hip-hop nightclub in New York City from 1994 to 2001. Aaliyah was raised in Detroit, but she was born a New York City girl. I don't know how she performed at the tunnel with all the stuff that was going on there, but she did it. When Aaliyah performed there with Timbaland, the crowd bounced. She performed her hit Are You That Somebody. From the video clip that I saw of her, I didn't see any trouble.

At clubs, sometimes fights break out and gunshots are fired. I don't know of anyone going to the clubs now that used to go in my hometown, but anyway, at The Tunnel in New York, sometimes there was trouble from what I understand.

When Aaliyah performed at The Tunnel live, nobody seem disappointed. It looked like a moment for enjoyment for the crowd. All I can say is Aaliyah was a brave girl to perform there.

Thank you for listening. I'll be back with more about the tunnel. Tune in again next time. Goodbye for now.

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Story by: Gail Nobles
Photo by: John Mathew Smith
Usage: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 2.0

There was an episode of Johnny Gill that aired in 2013 on TVONE. There was also a Johnny Gill “Unsung” Watch Party Premiere at the Savoy Entertainment Center. Singer songwriter Eric Benet was there, actor comedian earthquake was there, singer songwriter Kenny Lattimore was there, there was Program Director Aundrae Russell, and of course Johnny Gill himself was there.

Johnny sang one of his most popular songs titled My, My, My. It was a number one R&B single. It was a hit song with backing vocals performed by After 7 as well as a jazz solo performed by saxophonist Kenny G. The single was the second single from Gill’s second self-titled album which spent two weeks at number one on the US R&B chart and made the number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. In 1991 the song one a Soul Train Award for best R&B Soul Single Male. It's also known to be Johnny Gill signature song.

Johnny Gill sang My, My, My at the Savoy, and the ladies were reaching out for him. One lady said: Oh My God! You're a sexy thing!" The ladies were excited, and they were singing My, My, My with Johnny Gill.

Thank you for listening to Lounge Hype. I’m Gail Nobles.


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Intro music by: Gail Nobles
2nd Bass and Synth Keyboardist: Gail Nobles

Features music created using Groovepad. Available on the App Store, https://apps.apple.com/app/id1454398991

Photo: Dom Brady
Usage: Wikipedia CC BY 2.0

Today's topic: Foreign Exchange
Zoe, bemyfiasco, Ponte, & Nicolay. An R&B electronica hip-hop duo. I found out about them and their album of 2015 titled Tales From the Land of Milk and Honey.

Hello, I am Gail Nobles! Welcome to Lounge Hype. I'm going to talk to you today about the group Foriegn Exchange. The group was formed in 2002 after Nicolay based in the Netherlands and Phonte in North Carolina connected online through okayplayer.com and begin collaborating on music. Their album Connected was released in 2004 and was a showcase for Nicolay’s musical talents as well as an introduction to like-minded little brother affiliates who contributed to the album. The album received strong views and the single Sincere was released with a music video.

The group has several albums 2008 Leave It All Behind, 2010 Authenticity, 2013 Love In Flying Colors, 2015 Tales From the Land of Milk & Honey, 2017 Hide & Seek.

There was a single I enjoyed listening to from Tales From the Land of Milk and Honey album. The single is title Work It ToThe Top. Tales From the Land of Milk and Honey is the fifth studio album by The Foreign Exchange. NPR listed it as one of the top 10 slept-on R&B albums of 2015.



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Photo credit: Gina Walker
https://twitter.com/ginawalkerphoto?s=21&t=HeW80JTzLEmDTiFj76Cthg

Hi! I’m Gail Nobles. You’re listening to Lounge Hype. I’m thinking about Howard Hewett from the group Shalamar who had a birthday party one day at Xen Lounge.

Howard Hewett had a birthday party one day at Xen Lounge. The photograph that you see was taken by Gina Walker. Howard was about 60 then. Today he’s 67.

I still love to hear him sing. I love how he starts a song. That’s when you know something’s coming up. You know you’re about to hear something good. He’ll switch around and hit a high note, and the girls love that. Y’all know how he do. He’s really good live because he can sing.

Howard rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the group Shalamar. The group started in the 70’s. In 1985, Howard left the group to pursue his solo career, but he later returned to the group in 2001.

You can learn more about Howard and what he’s up to at howardhewettmusic.com.

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Music & Film effect: Samplefocus.com
Art by: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles

Today’s topic: Indie Night - Dave Brown

People will tell you that it’s not about your talent. Then what is it about? Dave Brown is inviting people all over the world to join Indie Night. He wants to see your talent.

According to Dave’s bio, he made his way to Hollywood after receiving a Bachelor of Arts from Morehouse College. I call him Indie Night - Dave Brown because of the Indie Night Film Festival: Indie Night. It is a weekly film festival that gives artists an opportunity to showcase their films and other new and established filmmakers from all over the globe. It is founded by Dave Brown.

I remember when I first saw a video clip of Dave Brown at Duane Martin’s Xen Lounge. The Lounge was packed with people that night. When I saw Dave & all of the people around him, I thought: Uh Oh! This man has started something.” Then he moved the film festival to the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood, CA.

Entrepreneur Indie Night - Dave Brown is still going strong. You can submit your films to Indie Night Film Festival. Indie Night Film Festival accepts submissions year around to screen in Hollywood at the TCL Chinese Theater. To learn more about the Film Festival submissions, go to indienightfilmfestival.com. I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening.



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Song: Float On With Us (F.F. Ladies Mix)
Song By: Full Force

Drums by: Gail Nobles
Podcast vocals: Gail Nobles

I’m Gail Nobles & you’re listening to Lounge Hype. Today’s topic is Float On With Us ( F.F. Ladies Mix).

At the beginning of the song, Bowlegged Lou from Full Force introduces himself & tries to tell his Zodiac sign but Vivica Fox buts in. She tells him that he talks too much & ask could the women talk to tell their Zodiac sign. Bowlegged Lou wants to know who Vivica is. She tells him her sign and lets him know that she’s Vivica A Fox, & Bowlegged Lou said he didn’t care if she was Red Fox. Vivica and all the ladies, Melisa Morgan & Regina Belle & Vesta let’s Bowlegged Lou know that it’s a woman’s world. Then there’s love singing between Melisa Morgan & Isaac Hayes near the end. You can hear them all singing Float On.

Isaac Hayes & Vesta, Rest In Peace.

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