BEST GUIDE TO HIP HOP EVENTS, SHOWS & CONCERTS x SOCIAL NETWORK
Hollywood Strikes Stop Celebrities from Marketing Their Films
A-list African American actress Tiffany Haddish was ready for an outstanding summer at the box office with the nationwide theatrical release of the movies "Back on the Strip" and "Landscape with Invisible Hand".
Unfortunately, both of Haddish's projects significantly underachieved in theaters, mainly because she couldn't market the films.
A clever promotional strategy amid the continuing labor conflict managed to spark some excitement, but even a packed Laugh Factory in Hollywood in the days leading up to the premiere of "Back on the Strip," with many cast members performing stand-up, failed to mention the film.
Unfortunately, both of Haddish's projects significantly underachieved in theaters, mainly because she couldn't market the films.
This leading comedian, along with other Black creators in the field, nonetheless stayed faithfully committed to the extended labor disagreement between striking Hollywood workers and large studios.
"Back on the Strip" was put together by an all-Black team led by director Chris Spencer and backed by companies Lumonosity, GVN, and 5120 Entertainment. It opened on August 18 but failed to take off as its star-studded African American cast, including Haddish, Wesley Snipes, JB Smoove, Bill Bellamy, and Faizon Love, couldn't advertise it due to the strike.
The film portrays the adventures of a team of "over-the-hill" black male exotic dancers who reconnect with their former selves when a gifted young star with an enormous... amount of talent joins their ranks.
Having been produced, financed, marketed, and distributed independently, "Back on the Strip" had a temporary accord with SAG/AFTRA to proceed with the film, but it still didn't win over its cast, who will be financially affected by the film's poor performance.
Black movie producers now face the challenge of reaching audiences using grassroots advertising efforts and focusing on women aged 35 and above with catchphrases like "Grab your girls!" and "Go big or go home!"
"Back on the Strip", though, appeals to adults of all demographics, weaving a romantic tale into a male stripper reunion that some are calling Snipes' triumphant return to the big screen.
A clever promotional strategy amid the continuing labor conflict managed to spark some excitement, but even a packed Laugh Factory in Hollywood in the days leading up to the premiere of "Back on the Strip," with many cast members performing stand-up, failed to mention the film.
Haddish, at least, arrived at the comedy club in a decorated "Back on the Strip" convertible, gleaming and impossible to miss.
An impressive marketing stunt, to be sure, but like many Black actors and actresses struggling to find a way to connect with their audiences this summer, Haddish can't comment on it.
Views: 35
Best guide to hip hop, soul, reggae concerts & events in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles & New York City + music, videos, radio and more
Connect
Subscribe to E-Blast
WIN TICKETS
Steel Pulse
Thursday, May 22 @ UC Theatre, Berkeley
Too $hort, Scarface & DJ Quik
Friday, June 20 @ Fox Theater, Oakland
Earth, Wind & Fire
Friday, June 27 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley
Macy Gray
Saturday, July 12 @ Palace of Fine Arts, SF
Thievery Corporation
Saturday, Sept 6 @ Fox Theater, Oakland
Featured Content
Featured Videos
Latest Activity
Crucial Reggae Sundays: Free reggae music in Golden Gate Park at Golden Gate Park Bandshell:
June 8, 2025 at 4:30pm to November 23, 2025 at 7:30pm
Crucial Reggae Sundays: free, family-friendly reggae music in Golden Gate Park hosted by Irie Dole, Guidance, and DJ Sep and featuring special guests every week 4:20 pm to 7:30 pm at the Golden Gate Park Bandshell / Music Concourse: 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118…See More
New Jersey rapper is back with the heat in new single "Respectfully" ft Justo the MC & NapsNdreds
Back at it again, Brick City's Tru Trilla returns today with the AA side single "Respectfully", lifted from last year's album 'XVI : Return of the Gods' released through New Dawn Records.Laced throughout with the kind of bullish bars and beats which earned it a front page spotlight on Bandcamp, the New Jersey veteran assembled a heavyweight line up of guest featured…See More
Spotlight on Sapphira Cristál
“After Hours” is a fierce, high-fashion house anthem that drips with attitude, seduction, and runway energy. Opening with a spoken-word moment in a commanding deep voice reminiscent of Kevin Aviance or Right Said Fred, the track transforms into a dancefloor sermon of power and pleasure. With thumping beats, sultry vocals, and lines that shimmer with confidence (Steppin’ out in a 613 ... my look so puss, so clean’), Sapphira Cristál delivers a declaration of glamour and groove. Already building…See More
Daedae$ace Lights the Path with Bold New Single “Lead The Way”
Emerging from Lincoln with a rare talent and versatile sound, Daedae$ace is making noise again with his powerful new single “Lead The Way,” released May 30, 2025, under The Good Life Records. Produced by Justadolla and engineered by Supawave, the track captures Daedae$ace’s signature style, authentic, raw, and unafraid to stand apart. The song’s message is crystal clear: be a leader,…See More
© 2025 Created by Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist.
Powered by
