Catching Up With ... Tichina Arnold In Bermuda

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By Karu F. Daniels, BlackVoices.com

Tichina Arnold had the time of her life in Bermuda last weekend.

The 'Everybody Hates Chris' star was taking in the sites and the sounds of the beatific Atlantic Ocean island for the "2008 Bermuda Music Festival," where internationally renowned acts such as Beyonce, UB40, Alicia Keys, Aaron Neville, and Dick Gregory performed for the masses.

"I love the Premier [Dr. Ewart Brown] and his wife," Arnold told BlackVoices.com during the festivities. "Back home I call [him] Uncle Ewart and Aunt Wanda," she said.

Arnold met the couple through mutual friends a few years ago, actress LisaRaye McCoy-Misick and her estranged husband Michael Eugene Misick -- the Premier of Turks and Caicos.

The woman also known as Pam James on the 90s hit sitcom 'Martin' said her attendance this year marked the fourth time she visited Bermuda and the third time she partook in the festival. "The people are very nice," she replied when asked what was special about Bermuda. "They're cautious but very nice."

Black Music Notes September 3

    9/4/08: Lil' Wayne / Michael Phelps
    Fresh off his historic performance at this summer's Beijing Olympic Games, gold medal winning swimmer Michael Phelps is set to host the season premiere of 'Saturday Night Live' on September 13. The 34th season of the long-running sketch comedy series will not only be laced with gold but also platinum. Joining Phelps for the coveted opener will be none other than 2008's best-selling rapper Lil Wayne, who will serve as the show's musical guest.

    9/4/08: Deitrick Haddon
    Gospel singer-songwriter Deitrick Haddon released his latest Zomba Gospel release this week, entitled 'Revealed.' The project features production from some of the best producers in the industry including Dre & Vidal, Warryn Campbell, Tim & Bob, and Percy Bady. The set has already yielded one of the hottest R&B/Gospel anthems of 2008 in 'Love Him Like I Do' featuring Ruben Studdard and Mary Mary. 'Revealed' also contains 'The Word,' 'I'm Alive,' 'Reveal My Heart,' and Deitrick's personal story of triumph on 'Soul Survivor.' With the album being so diverse Haddon believes Gospel music can be "just as big as rock and fill stadiums around the world." "Our music has to reach beyond our religious beliefs to connect on a greater level. I wanted to speak to everybody."

    9/4/08: Mavis Staple
    Legendary soul-gospel singer Mavis Staple is looking forward to participating in this year's election. Not only is she expected to vote on November 4, but she will also release her 12th solo album 'Mavis Staples Live: Hope At The Hideout.' The political driven project is filled with freedom / protest songs inspired by the current presidential race. In addition, the Chicago native has something in common with Democratic nominee Barack Obama, who attended the same church as Staple. The 13-track opus features the new single 'We Shall Not Be Moved.'

    9/4/08: Rick Ross / Trina / Trick Daddy
    Slip-N-Slide Records, the #1 independent label in South Florida, is looking to expand their imprint into different genres such as Pop, R&B, and Rock with open casting calls. The auditions will take place throughout the country and will be apart of the labels 'The Next Big Super Star' talent showcase which is expected to air as a TV special in the future. So far the label has released critically acclaimed albums from the likes of Trick Daddy, Trina, Rick Ross, and Plies. Having such a talented roster will usher in 'Slip-N-Slide Greatest Hits' compilation set to hit stores at the top of 2009. "We will continue to spread our wings by forming sub-labels under Slip-N-Slide Records and offer support to artists who would like to start their own record labels," CEO Ted Lucas said.

    9/4/08: LL Cool J / Richie Sambora
    With his current single 'Baby' from the forthcoming album 'Exit 13' in heavy rotation throughout media outlets, LL Cool J is planning to add an edgier twist to the track. The man ladies call Cool James has hooked up with none other than Bon Jovi's Richie Sambora for a rock-edge remix. "We creatively put our heads together," LL explained. "I told him I wanted that talk box. 'Slippery When Wet' by Bon Jovi's is one of my favorite albums. I thought the talk box on a couple of the songs was incredible, 'Livin' on a Prayer' especially. So, I got Richie to do it on the 'Baby' remix. It sounds crazy. Then he did some vocals, and he did some guitar solos ... so it's good." The track is currently available through iTunes. 'Exit 13' hit stores September 9.

    9/4/08: Yolanda Adams
    "The First Annual Save Africa's Children Music Festival" is sure to debut with a bang! Not only are several celebrity presenters tapped to appear at the all-star extravaganza, various award-winning recording artist will take the stage. Yolanda Adams, Pieces of a Dream , Kirk Whalum + 3 Generations of Whalums, Doc Powell are among the many artist taking part in the September 26 event at Los Angeles' West Angeles Cathedral. All proceeds will benefit orphan children in Africa.

    9/4/08: The Game / Young Buck
    Former G-Unit members The Game and Young Buck have finally let bygones be bygones. The two MCs officially put their differences beside themselves and reunited on stage recently at Game's New York City album release party. Buck appeared on stage handing the California native a diamond encrusted watch. Throughout the entire celebration the two took various verbal shots at their former boss 50 Cent. And the reunion doesn't stop there. Game and Young Buck are also schedule to perform at this year's Tennessee Music Conference and Hip-Hop Awards taking place September 6.

    9/4/08: Diamond
    Following her previous chart topping success with Crime Mob, who released the hit singles 'Knuck If You Buck" and the certified gold single 'Rock Yo Hips,' female MC Diamond recently signed a solo deal with Warner Bros. Records Inc. The multilayer deal will consist of the label. tying in various endorsements, which include TV and film opportunities leading up to her debut solo album expected to drop in 2009. "I'm so excited about my new solo deal with Warner- it's been a long time coming," she said. "It's important for me to give my fans the Diamond they already know, but to also give them something new from me! I hope to work with a few of my favorite people in the industry, from Timbaland to T-Pain on my new album, so there's definitely going to be a few surprises in store!"

    9/4/08: DMX
    Despite facing all his legal woes, DMX (born Earl Simmons) still seems to have his mind on his money. The rapper is currently shopping around a series based on his recent court ordeals. The show tentatively titled, 'DMX: This Life of Mine' will feature the MC going through the stages of avoiding prison time for a number of his charges including animal cruelty charges, theft, and possession of drug paraphernalia to name a few. "In many ways, my life has been an open book," DMX (born Earl Simmons) told Allhiphop.com. "[But] I haven't always been the one writing the story. With this show; however, people will get to see and hear with their own eyes and ears what really goes on in my life and I think they'll come to understand me a little bit better with each episode."

    9/4/08: Wyclef Jean / Venus Williams
    One of today's best marketing schemes seems to be pairing up a popular musician with a popular athlete. Enter Grammy Award-winning musician/producer Wyclef Jean, who has written and recorded a new song titled, 'Venus (I'm Ready),' inspired by tennis champion Venus Williams. The song is expected to be used as Williams' theme song during the 2008 US Open tennis tournament which ends September 7. In addition to the newly produced song, the two paired up for an upcoming episode for the Sundance Channel television series 'Iconoclasts.' "I was so happy to meet Wyclef and work with him on our 'Iconoclasts' episode but not even in my wildest imagination, did I expect that such a beautiful song would be one of the outcomes from meeting Wyclef," the Olympic gold medalist said. "He is an amazing human being and it is truly an honor for me to be recognized in such a wonderful way by such a gifted musician and exceptional person." The Venus Williams, Wyclef Jean episode of 'Iconoclasts' is scheduled to premiere November 13 at 10PM ET on the Sundance Channel.


"This place is absolutely beautiful," she continued raving, noting, "I'm getting used to the humidity though, that's why I have straight hair and no curls. I'm surprised I'm wearing pants because I really want to be naked right now. But I can't," she quipped.


Arnold also relished in the fact that her new TV show made its fourth season premiere Oct. 3 on The CW network – and that she was all done with her filming.

Though the Chris Rock-produced series has survived a battery of scheduling adjustments since making a splash on TV in 2005, the network's decision to air this season on Friday nights left many scratching their head.

And Arnold, a TV veteran for 25 years, doesn't think that's necessarily a bad thing– pointing out that families would be home to watch the hilarious show on Friday nights.

"It's always a blessing to me to be on a show that runs for four years. Like thank God," she said. "We made it through a writer's strike, we made it through a network change and we're still here."

"Hopefully, you'll see another season," she continued. "And if not, God is still good. We did what we had to do."

The former 'Ryan's Hope' and 'All My Children' star is gearing up for the release of her feature film acting debut in the independent biopic 'The Lena Baker Story,' about the first woman sent to the electric chair in Georgia. The double NAACP Image Award winning actress also revealed that she has been cast in the sequel to the box-office blockbuster 'Tranformers.'

Mel B Pictures

    In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**

    AP

    In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**

    AP

    In this undated image released by Oxfam Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008, British singer Mel B participates in the 'In My Name' global campaign calling for action against poverty and demanding world leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals. (AP Photo/Oxfam, HO) ** NO SALES **

    AP

    In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl Mel B, left, serves as the emcee at a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Mel B wears a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. The woman at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**

    AP

    NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )

    Getty Images

    NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Ultimo Scottish designer lingerie brand founder Michelle Mone (L) and pop singer Melanie Brown pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )

    Getty Images

    NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )

    Getty Images

    NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )

    Getty Images

    NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and singer Aubrey O'Day (R) poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )

    Getty Images

    NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown, Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard, singer Aubrey O'Day and TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )

    Getty Images

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