The Cinematic Soul

In this episode of The Cinematic Soul, I sit down with one of the most important films of my life, Spike Lee’s Crooklyn. A movie that raised me.I share what it was like growing up watching Crooklyn with my family and why it still feels like home every time I revisit it. We get into the brownstone in Bed Stuy, Arthur Jafa’s cinematography, the lens choices during the Virginia sequence, and why those visual shifts matter. I talk about Delroy Lindo as Woody and how that performance shaped the way I see artists chasing their dreams. We also reflect on the autobiographical roots of the film and how the Lee siblings turned memory into cinema.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Personal Connection to Crooklyn01:20 Why Crooklyn Matters to Me03:36 The Brownstone and Brooklyn as Character06:55 Cinematography and the Feel of Memory08:41 Delroy Lindo as Woody13:34 Alfre Woodard and the Center of the Home18:56 Troy’s Perspective and Growing Up20:05 The Virginia Lens Distortion and Emotional Framing22:30 The Soundtrack and Musical Memory25:05 Cast Highlights and Remembering Carlton Williams28:55 Reception and Legacy30:15 Final ReflectionsFollow the socials (IG and Threads)@ebeknowing@cinematicsoulpod

In 1992, ABC aired a five hour event that felt bigger than television. The Jacksons: An American Dream is ICONIC! It was a Black family story told at a scale we did not see often back then. Gary, Indiana to global stages. Talent, tension, discipline, dreams. All of it.This episode of The Cinematic Soul revisits the mini series that shaped how many of us first understood the Jackson legacy. The brilliance. The pressure. The faith. The fear. The performances that still give chills. We talk about the way the music moves the story, the portrayals that still feel lived in, and the complicated humanity behind the myth.If you love Michael Jackson, if you grew up on this series, or if you care about Black cinema and television that preserved our history, this one is for you.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Jackson Legacy01:34 Revisiting An American Dream03:22 Katherine, Joe, and the Family Core11:14 Young Michael and Early Performances19:00 The Cast and Why It Worked27:57 When the Music Becomes a Character31:55 Control, Negotiations, and Family Power35:51 Cultural Impact and Why It Still MattersFollow the conversationInstagram and Threads: @cinematicsoulpodPersonal: @ebeknowing

In this episode of The Cinematic Soul Podcast, we sit with The Temptations and talk through why it still resonates decades after its original airing.Rather than treating the miniseries as a history lesson, this conversation looks at how the story balances memory and dramatization, how perspective shapes who gets centered, and how the music carries emotional weight even when the facts get complicated. We talk about performances that linger, especially the quieter ones, and what the series reveals about fame, loyalty, addiction, and survival inside a legendary group.00:00 Music / Pre-roll00:40 Introduction to The Temptations Miniseries02:43 Cultural Impact and Legacy of The Temptations06:44 Dramatization vs. Reality in the Miniseries11:23 The Power of Music in Storytelling14:45 Character Portrayals and Performances19:42 Personal Reflections and Historical Context23:31 The Emotional Weight of the Story25:21 Conclusion and Transition to The JacksonsIG/Threads: @Cinematicsoulpod

Season premiere baby! 🎙️This week I’m diving into The Five Heartbeats (1991) — the music, the brotherhood, the breakdown, and why Robert Townsend really gave us a Black cinema classic that STILL feels personal.If you know…you know.If you don’t…press play and meet the Heartbeats 👌🏾Chapters00:00 – Welcome Back (Season Premiere)02:05 – Why The Five Heartbeats Still Matters08:38 – Robert Townsend’s Vision & Grind14:01 – Character Chemistry & Performances17:55 – The Emotional Core (Brotherhood, Pain, Loss)19:22 – Rehearsals, Music & Authenticity22:25 – Cinematography: How the Film Looks Within25:16 – The Legacy: Why This Movie Lasted28:13 – Closing Thoughts and The Temptations Connection🎬 Follow me: @ebeknowing📌 Podcast IG and Threads: @cinematicsoulpod

What happens when love turns into a chess match? Vivica, Morris, Gabrielle, and the messy brilliance of Two Can Play That Game.We got Shanté’s 10-day plan, the soundtrack that still hits, we’ll talk about the culture, the comedy, and if it really holds up in 2025!Timestamps:00:18 – Introduction08:28 – Character Analysis and Dynamics16:14 – The 10-Day Plan21:01 – Soundtrack and Musical Impact27:59 – Final Thoughts and RatingsYou can support the show on IG & Threads → @cinematicsoulpod@ebeknowing

*Sorry for the delay! There was an issue uploading and I had to talk to Riverside support for two days 🥱*Angela Bassett. Taye Diggs. JAMAICA! This week on The Cinematic Soul, let’s get into the 1998 romantic dramedy How Stella Got Her Groove Back, the film that sparked tropical getaways, auntie fantasies, and more than a few side-eyes at Winston’s accent (respectfully 😂). Would you date someone 20 years younger? Let’s talk about it! [00:39] Intro: Welcome back [06:40] How Terry McMillan’s novel became a movie[10:48] Black excellence across the cast (Whoopi, Regina, ANGELA!)[17:43] Jamaica’s glow as a character of its own[25:29] Let’s talk about that age gap[30:41] Happily ever after… or was it?[31:20] The real-life story behind Terry & Jonathan Plummer[36:38] Final thoughts, honest ratings & a question 🤔

Let’s go on a soulful deep dive into Brown Sugar (2002), one of the most beloved Black romantic comedies of the early 2000s. This episode of The Cinematic Soul explores how the film blends hip-hop culture, Black love, and friendship into a timeless story.On this episode I get into the chemistry of Sanaa Lathan and Taye Diggs to Rick Famuyiwa’s direction and the iconic neo-soul/hip hop soundtrack featuring Erykah Badu, Common, and Mos Def, and unpack why Brown Sugar still resonates with fans of Black rom-coms, hip-hop films, and nostalgic cinema! If you love movies like Love Jones, The Best Man, Love & Basketball, or anything from the golden age of Black cinema, this one’s for you.—📧 Email: cinematicsoulpod@gmail.com🧵 Threads: @ebeknowing, @cinematicsoulpod📸 Instagram: @cinematicsoulpod

What does it mean to grow up Black, goofy, and just trying to see who can get the most numbers? This week, I revisit one of my all-time favorite films, The Wood, and the layers Rick Famuyiwa gave us in his 1999 ode to brotherhood and coming-of-age 🙌🏾. Let’s go to The Wood!TIMESTAMPS:00:20 – Introduction to The Cinematic Soul and The Wood03:16 – Cultural Reception & Impact07:47 – The Journey of Rick Famuyiwa13:38 – USC Film School Legacy & Black Cali Directors18:43 – The Bet: Dares and Dumb Decisions30:19 – Real-Life Reflections: “Don’t Say My Name, Homie!”39:11 – Cinematography, Soundtrack & the Warm Glow of Nostalgia46:12 – The Legacy of The Wood and Giving Flowers51:17 – Final Thoughts & OutroFollow the socials:Personal Threads: @ebeknowingPodcast Threads: @cinematicsoulpodIG: @cinematicsoulpod

This week on The Cinematic Soul, I’m revisiting Claudine with all of my thoughts and reflections. From Diahann Carroll’s layered performance to James Earl Jones redefining what love looks like under pressure, this one’s personal. I talked about what this film taught me about my own mother, the broken systems our families navigate, and the Curtis Mayfield soundtrack that still speaks volumes. If Claudine meant something to you, or if you’re just discovering it, take a listen!Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Claudine04:31 Diahann Carroll’s Groundbreaking Performance11:06 The Complexity of Claudine’s Character15:29 James Earl Jones as Roop: A New Perspective16:45 Love Under Systemic Oppression21:37 The Broken Welfare System: Then and Now32:54 Resilience Amidst Struggles34:50 The Soulful Soundtrack of Claudine39:16 Cinematography and Authenticity in Storytelling42:32 Describing, The Makings of the Music48:12 Beauty in Simplicity51:08 Final Thoughts on ClaudineSocial MediaThreads: @CinematicsoulpodPersonal 🧵: @EBeknowingIG: @Cinematicsoulpod

Mara Brock Akil dropped a gem with Forever! This coming-of-age love story that hits deep. From family scars to first love and flashing lights, it’s layered and loud in all the right ways. I couldn’t wait to talk about this in my own way! This one’s a smash. Let’s get into it.Follow the podcast on social media for updates and conversations:IG: @cinematicsoulpodThreads: @cinematicsoulpod and follow my personal page as well @ebeknowing!Timestamps:00:00 Welcome to Season Two02:22 Exploring 'Forever' by Mara Brock-Akil04:26 Mara Brock-Akil's Impact on Black Television11:40 Character Dynamics: Keisha and Justin15:27 The Weight of Expectations: Keisha's Journey22:38 Navigating First Love and Trust Issues26:50 Family Dynamics and Parental Influence35:23 The Silent Terror of Being Black While Driving (w/Personal Reflection)44:06 Mothers Supporting Mental Well-Being in Youth49:28 The Importance of Positive Father Figures53:19 The Impact of Absent Fathers56:24 Representation of Black Wealth01:01:05 Visual Artistry and Cinematography01:09:23 The Role of Music in Storytelling01:16:19 Final Episode Reflections and Character Growth

If Part One cracked the door open, Part Two will really leave you thinking!Let’s talk about the blues, legacy, and history Cinematic Soul style!Timestamps:0:00 – Thank You / Response From Part 104:08 – Ancestors on The Dancefloor12:17 – “I Lied To You” and Its Roots17:29 – Delta Connections / Black & Chinese Solidarity20:48 – The Southern Chicago Legacy and Accents29:42 – Music as a Memory and Time Machine35:25 – Legendary Blues Stories / Robert Johnson at the Crossroads39:01 – Rewriting the Narrative on How We View and Respect Dark-Skinned, Curvy Black Women43:57 – Trauma Passed Down Through Generations49:51 – History and Legacy Lessons—In this bonus episode of The Cinematic Soul, let’s step back into the layered world of Sinners but this time, dig deeper than folklore and sexual scenes. I pull up a chair at the crossroads with Robert Johnson and reflect on what his myth still means today. I dig into the untold history of Black and Chinese solidarity in the Mississippi Delta. I unpack how Chicago accents carry the rhythm of Southern migration. And, challenge the way media continues to sideline dark-skinned, curvy Black women like Annie—when they’ve always been the heart of the story.Instagram: @cinematicsoulpod | Threads: @ebeknowing

I had to hop on the mic for this one! Sinners isn’t just a movie. It’s a sermon, a spirit bath, and a cultural reckoning all wrapped in blues and blood. In this special bonus episode of The Cinematic Soul, I’m breaking down Ryan Coogler’s newest film and why it shook me to my core. From the Hoodoo-rooted power of Wunmi Mosaku’s Annie to the haunting beauty of the cinematography, the generational trauma, the music, and that juke joint scene? Yeah… we’re going there.We’re talking horror with a message, vampires as metaphors, Black and Chinese Southern history, Irish folklore, and how kinfolk will always be the heartbeat of survival. If you’ve seen it, you already know. If you haven’t, this episode just might move it to the top of your list.Follow me on IG: @ebeknowing and @cinematicsoulpod

First off, from the bottom of my heart, thank you all for listening this season! Carving out a space for niche content like this that is FUBU is vital, and your engagement verifies the necessity of diverse voices in the cinematic conversations. In this season finale, we dive into B.A.P.S., a feel-good flick that delivers the hearty laughs we all need sometimes. Joining me is the vibrant Shani Showbiz, whose insights add an extra layer of depth to our discussion. Get ready for the sermon! Be sure to follow Shani on Instagram @damngirlyouknoweverybody and on TikTok @tinyybiggs. Don’t forget to follow The Cinematic Soul podcast on Instagram @cinematicsoulpod to stay updated on future episodes and content for season 2! 🙏🏾

In this episode of The Cinematic Soul, let’s delve into the remarkable narratives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, the African American mathematicians whose brilliance propelled NASA’s missions during the Space Race. Join me as we celebrate these trailblazing women who transformed the face of science and space exploration. For more insights and black cinema lore, follow on Instagram: @cinematicsoulpod

In this episode of The Cinematic Soul, I wanted to explore the 1995 classic Waiting to Exhale. Directed by Forest Whitaker and adapted from Terry McMillan’s novel, the film tells the stories of Savannah, Bernadine, Robin, and Gloria—four African-American women navigating the complexities of love, friendship, and personal growth. With stellar performances by Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, and Lela Rochon, Waiting to Exhale offers an authentic portrayal of sisterhood and resilience. Also, stay tuned for a special guest near the end of this episode! Connect with me for more insights and updates:​ Email: CinematicSoulPod@gmail.com​ Instagram: @cinematicsoulpod

Cleo went out like a legend. Set It Off (1996) was a story of sisterhood, survival, and defiance. From its gritty cinematography to that gut-wrenching final scene, tune in to listen to the breakdown of why this film still hits in 2025. Buckle up, we’re setting it off.Follow @cinematicsoulpod on Instagram and join the conversation on Facebook as well!

Poetic Justice isn’t just a movie, it’s a moment! It’s poetry, love, grief, and fate all wrapped up in a road trip, with Janet and Pac at the center of it. Let’s break down why this film still hits all these years later.Follow @cinematicsoulpod on Instagram and join the conversation on Facebook at The Cinematic Soul!

The heat is rising, and we’re stepping into one of the most powerful films ever made—Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing. This isn’t just a movie; it’s a mirror. From the scorching streets of Brooklyn to the boiling tensions between cultures, this film forces you to confront hard truths.In this episode, I break down how Spike uses the camera to make you feel the pressure, the characters that represent more than just themselves, and that gut-wrenching ending that still hits too close to home. Was Mookie right? Was Sal wrong? And why does this film still hold up after all these years?Follow the socials & join the conversation:📸 Instagram: @cinematicsoulpod📘 Facebook: The Cinematic Soul

Kasi Lemmons’ Eve’s Bayou is an experience. A Southern Gothic masterpiece wrapped in memory, mysticism, and trauma. On this episode of The Cinematic Soul, we’re diving into the depths of this haunting 1997 classic.🔹 How the film’s cinematography plays with memory and truth🔹 Jurnee Smollett and Samuel L. Jackson’s unforgettable performances🔹 The mystical elements of Mozelle’s visions, fate, and the ‘gift of sight’🔹 The connection between Eve’s Bayou and Lovecraft CountryPlus, a look ahead at our next episode 🤫 .Hit play, and let’s get into it. Follow The Cinematic Soul on Facebook and Instagram (@cinematicsoulpod) to keep the convo going ya dig??

Gina Prince-Bythewood understood the assignment. In this episode of The Cinematic Soul, I’m breaking down how she carved out a lane for Black love stories with Beyond the Lights. We’ll also talk about Cynthia Erivo’s rise to fame (shoutout to Fly Before You Fall for putting me on) and why this film never got the flowers it deserved. If you’re still feeling that Valentine’s Day love hangover, this one’s for you.Instagram: @cinematicsoulpod Facebook: The Cinematic Soul