Reels & Riddims

By Kerry-Ann & MikelahTV & Film TV Reviews Film Reviews

Reels & Riddims episodes

December 20, 2024Prime's Boxing Day & Christmas Movie Favorites
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Join us in this festive episode where we dive into the magic of Christmas 🎄 movies through a Caribbean-American lens, featuring a special review of Boxing Day (available on Amazon Prime) and share our top picks for holiday movies that blend humor, family, and tradition. Whether it’s Elf or This Christmas, our “Reels List” will give you all the cozy vibes for the season.
Discover how Caribbean culture meets Christmas traditions, with lively commentary on cast performances, cultural themes, and even a touch of dancehall vibes! 🎶 Don’t miss out—share your favorite holiday movies with us in the comments.
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A Breadfruit Media Production
26 min
December 06, 2024The Honorable Shyne: From Hip-Hop Stardom to Political Leadership in Belize
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What if a young rapper could rise to political prominence, transforming his life and the future of his nation? On this episode of Reels and Riddims, we take you on an extraordinary journey through the life of Moses "Shyne" Barrow. From the glitz and glamour of the rap world to the sober corridors of political power in Belize, Shyne's story is one of resilience and transformation. Join us as we discuss the documentary "The Honorable Shyne," now available on Hulu.

With a focus on Shyne's rapid ascent in the music industry, we explore the unique challenges he faced, including the media’s portrayal and the music industry's landscape during his emergence. We dive into the intriguing comparisons between Shyne and legendary Biggie, and his association with Bad Boy Records. While the documentary hints at the complexity of his life, we dig deeper, examining the cultural nuances and his unexpected journey into Orthodox Judaism. Our reflections touch on the gaps within his narrative, especially his personal evolution and the layers of his identity.

Authenticity shines through our discussion as we explore Shyne's uncompromising honesty and connection with his audience. We discuss how his collaborations with artists such as Barrington Levy echo a rich cultural narrative between Belize and Jamaica. Our conversation takes a lighter turn with humorous exchanges involving artists like NORE, underscoring the camaraderie and cultural richness of the Caribbean. We wrap up with a celebration of Shyne's influence and leadership, encouraging you to explore the documentary and appreciate his ongoing impact on Belize's youth and political landscape.

What did you think about the documentary?

Watch: The Honorable Shyne

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@reelsandriddims on Instagram
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A Breadfruit Media Production
42 min
November 29, 2024The Reels & Riddims Expanded Rating System for Caribbean Representation in TV & Film
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We've revamped our rating system with fresh categories that spotlight the magic of soundtracks and cultural settings. Originally, Reels & Riddims identified Accent, Character Development, and Storyline as essential elements to evaluate the authenticity and quality of Caribbean representation in media. Now, we’re excited to introduce a more comprehensive, five-part rating system to deepen these assessments and bring focus to elements that amplify the Caribbean experience. We added 2 categories - Music & Sound and Visual Authenticity to highlight the Caribbean culture that’s central to our reviews. Originally there were 3 categories -

Hear our thoughts on how accents, settings, and soundtracks impact authenticity in Caribbean and mainstream films and shows. Tune in and let us know what you think of our new categories!

Read more here -
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A Breadfruit Media Production
13 min
November 22, 2024New Season + What We’ve Been Watching Over the Break
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Welcome to season 3 of Reels and Riddims, where we bring a fresh perspective rooted in our Jamaican & Caribbean heritage and experiences in America.

In this episode we catch you up on all the shows and movies we’ve been into since Season 2 ended which includes hits like Hulu's Reasonable Doubt to Apple TV's Vince Vaughn's Bad Monkey. We also explore other captivating series like How to Die Alone and dive into HBO Max's Coming From America, a narrative that follows Black families' emotional journeys from America to Africa. Tune in to get our unique perspectives on the latest TV, what made our must-watch list, and what’s coming up this season. Join us for laughs, recommendations, and our one-of-a-kind Caribbean take on all things entertainment!

We are excited about the new season and can't wait to talk about what we're watching with you.
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@reelsandriddims on Instagram
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A Breadfruit Media Production
18 min
June 19, 2024Exploring Queenie: Book vs Hulu Series & Celebrating Caribbean Identities
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Join us on this episode of Reels and Riddims, where we discuss Candice Carty Williams' "Queenie," and its Hulu miniseries adaptation.

We dissect Queenie's tumultuous journey through her twenties, including her relationships, exploring her dating life, the influence of her family history, and the body fetishization she faces. We also try unravel the complexities in her strained relationship with her mother.

Celebrate the richness of Jamaican and Caribbean identities on screen with us. Whether you're a fan of compelling storytelling or crave authentic cultural representation, this episode is a must-listen as we wrap up an exhilarating season of Reels and Riddims.
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@reelsandriddims on Instagram
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A Breadfruit Media Production
53 min
June 05, 2024Thriller Turns 40: Michael Jackson's Timeless Legacy & Impact on Pop Culture
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Ever wondered how Michael Jackson's "Thriller" album managed to stay relevant across generations? Get ready to uncover the secrets behind its universal appeal as we celebrate its 40th anniversary! From our childhood memories of eagerly watching the groundbreaking "Thriller" music video to the way it continues to captivate our own children today, this episode is a heartfelt tribute to the King of Pop. Listen as we reminisce about the cultural impact of Michael Jackson’s music in Jamaica and explore how his extraordinary work transcends time and generations.

Through the documentary get a glimpse of Michael Jackson's business genius and his revolutionary contributions to the music industry. Discover how his strategic moves, like the iconic Pepsi endorsement during the Jackson Brothers tour, set the stage for modern artists such as Beyoncé. We'll highlight the mind-blowing ways Jackson transformed music videos and performances, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire pop stars today. We’ll draw intriguing parallels between Jackson’s visionary efforts and the massive, high-budget productions that define contemporary music entertainment.

Explore with us the cinematic brilliance of Michael Jackson’s music videos, particularly the awe-inspiring choreography that set new standards and continues to inspire platforms like TikTok today. We'll share our favorite tracks from the "Thriller" album and reflect on the meticulous artistry behind Michael and Janet Jackson's performances. Finally, join us as we compare the monumental impacts of Michael Jackson and Bob Marley, celebrating their unique contributions to music and culture while sharing personal anecdotes that highlight their lasting legacies. This is one nostalgic journey you won't want to miss!
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A Breadfruit Media Production
38 min
May 22, 2024Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell | A Look Into His Life & Influences
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"Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell" is a Netflix documentary that pulls back the curtain, of the early life and influences of Christopher Wallace, better known as The Notorious B.I.G.

Through never-before-seen home video footage, we witness the transformation of a Brooklyn boy into a global icon. The significance of Biggie's Jamaican heritage, his profound connection with his mother Voletta Wallace, and the pivotal moments that marked his ascension to rap nobility - it's all laid bare.

We delve into the love and the conflicts that shaped Biggie, from his mother's Jamaican discipline to the loyal friends who stood by him as he navigated fame's treacherous waters. This episode is a celebration of Biggie's life, an exploration of his artistry, and a reflection on the enduring impact he has left on the world of music and beyond.

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@reelsandriddims on Instagram
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A Breadfruit Media Production
36 min
May 08, 2024Netflix's Shirley: Honoring the Legacy and Power of Shirley Chisholm
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Our latest episode, features the film "Shirley," starring Regina King and directed by the visionary John Ridley. We break down the intricacies of Chisholm's presidential campaign, her indelible Barbadian-American heritage, and how her story resonates with the undercurrents of today's societal fabric. As watched the film we can't help but share a connection to Shirley's pioneering essence, a reminder that the courage to lead often begins with the courage to be different.

As we step back and scrutinize the political environment depicted in the film, drawing stark parallels to the issues that ripple through our modern-day discourse. We wrap up our conversation with the thought that perhaps the truest movement for change lies in the quiet struggles and victories that shape us when no one is watching. Join us for an episode that not only celebrates a champion of history but also lights the way for us to carry her torch into the future.

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@reelsandriddims on Instagram
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A Breadfruit Media Production
48 min
April 20, 2024Pon di Replay: Live Episode Recording | Recap & Catchups
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This episode is an edited version of our Instagram Live from April 19th.

Listen to Mikelah and Kerry-Ann catch up on the latest on TV and streaming kicking it off with Sheryl Lee Ralph's ongoing Jamaican representation in Abbott Elementary. Their discussion moves to the reality show that brings the Cayman Islands to life and the excitement building around "Shirley" and "Queenie."

Amid reflections and laughs, we also discuss the less than transparent decisions behind television show renewals, feeling the pinch of uncertainty that grips our favorite shows. We encourage our listeners to become champions themselves—rewatching and advocating for the stories that mirror our experiences.

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@reelsandriddims on Instagram
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A Breadfruit Media Production
22 min
April 03, 2024Riddims: A Night with the Marley Brothers at the Traffic Jam Concert
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It's a riddims episode! Mikelah went to the Traffic Jam Concert, featuring Damian Jr. Gong Marley and Stephen Ragga Marley. Relive the magic with Mikelah as she recounts the concert where the synergy between these siblings wasn't just heard; it was felt.

Tune in for an episode that celebrates not only the sounds of reggae but also the enduring spirit of the Marley family, connecting us all through the power of music.

Video: Jamdown's Finest

Connect with us:
@reelsandriddims on Instagram
Website | YouTube
A Breadfruit Media Production
17 min