In advance of the Grammys, which he’s hosting again, LL Cool J talks to Oprah about the triumphs and tragedy he’s faced on his way to global stardom in two genres. Mike Epps heads to Rochester this weekend as part of his winter comedy tour and lucky hip-hop fans in D.C. will get the chance to check out rap pioneer Big Daddy Kane with a live band. Here’s the best of the rest of what’s going on this weekend.
HOT ON TV
All Times Eastern
Friday, January 25
FLY THE FUNNY SKIES
BET 10 p.m. Funny or offensive?
While it only gets an 18% “fresh” rating on “Rotten Tomatoes” a popular movie website, reviewers were mixed as to whether “Soul Plane” was funny or offensive or both, with some admitting they did laugh at the raunchy comedy. Starring Kevin Hart.
Saturday, January 26
ALFRE WOODWARD in “The Family That Preys”
Lifetime 12:02 a.m.
Tyler Perry tackles some new themes in “The Family That Preys” with deals with love, relationships, wealth and privilege. It’s actually one of Perry’s best efforts – no Madea in sight. The plot is ambitious and predictable at times, but actresses Woodward and Kathy Bates elevate the material.
Sunday, January 27
LL TALKS
OWN, 9 p.m.
Rapper actor LL Cool J talks to Oprah just before his latest Grammy hosting gig. He discusses his career, his family tragedy and his life as an actor and rap pioneer.
AT THE MOVIES
Jennifer Lopez and Jason Statham star in a thriller set down in Palm Beach with a lot of guns and gangsters and explosions. Review consensus: Not much plot but a lot of action so if you go for Statham or Lopez, you won’t be disappointed.
“Movie 43”
Movie stars like Halle Berry, Terrence Howard Kate Winslet and Naomi Watts join comedy chick Anna Faris for a comedy caper sure to offend just about everyone. Review consensus: Not sure if the movie stars add to or distract from the concept of dumb comic relief.
ON DVD THIS WEEK
“End of Watch” – Jake Gyllenhall, Michael Pena
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/end_of_watch/
“The Paperboy” – Lee Daniels directs Nicole Kidman and ZacEfron
READ IT
By the Authors of “Essence”
If you didn’t get this as a gift, gift yourself. After the First Lady’s stunning showing at the inauguration, you may be wanting more. Here’s a collector’s item that celebrates other stunning moments in FLOTUS history.
IN CONCERT
Friday, January 25
WASHINGTON, DC
Big Daddy Kane (with live band)
Howard Theater
8 p.m.
The classic rap maestro heads down to DC with a live band for a new take on his hit songs
DURHAM, NC
DPAC -Durham Performing Arts Center
8 p.m.
Comedian, actress and talk show hostess stops in to NC this weekend
NEW YORK CITY
B.B. King Blues Club and Grill
8 p.m.
R&B crooner stops into New York City for a one-night stand at the popular blues club in Times Square
Saturday, January 26
ROCHESTER, NY
Rochester Auditorium Theater
7:30 p.m.
Funnyman embarks on national tour