At the end of the 1970s, Disco was going out and Soul began to take over.  Angela Bofill, mostly known for her ballad “This Time I’ll Be Sweeter”, became a known contributor to the genre by the early 1980s.  With her Cuban/Puerto-Rican decent, she was one of the first Latina singers to not only popularize, but actually find success in the R&B market.  Her 1978 debut album, Angie, scored her several hits including “Angel of the Night,” “Something About You,” and “Holding out for Love.”  On this week’s 1983 episode of Soul Train, catch Angie sing, “Too Tough.”

Catch a young Angela Bofill on Soul Train this evening at 10AM EST only on Centric.

Kimberly Elise is an acclaimed actress praised for her portrayals of the most sincere, honest and strong characters on the big and small screen. Her powerful, vulnerable performances have made her the favorite characters of many.

Conquering her first major role in the motion-picture “Set It Off,” she made a name for herself and secured her place in a star-studded line-up alongside acclaimed actresses Jada Pinkett-Smith, Queen Latifa and Vivica Fox.

Stand out performances in “Beloved,” “Bojangles,” “John Q,” and “Woman Tho Art Loosed” helped make her a household name. including the Tyler Perry drama “Diary of a Mad Black Woman,” which yielded her a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture.

She most recently starred in “For Colored Girls,” Tyler Perry’s screen adaptation of Ntozake Shange’s 1974 play, “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf.”

In 2000, Elise starred in the made-for-tv movie “The Loretta Claiborne Story.” Based on a true story, the sentimental film chronicles the Special Olympics athlete who worked hard to redefine the face of professional sports. Catch Elise in this FLICK CENTRIC presentation today at 2am and 3pm est only on Centric.

Notorious B.I.G (ne Christopher Wallace) is known in the music industry as much more than another fallen rapper. He is undoubtedly one of the most influential, hip-hop icons of all time.  His untimely death in 1997, moved fans to get to know the man beyond the flash of Versace shades and Coogi sweaters. While his music seemed intensely autobiographical there was much more to the Brooklyn, NY native than one could ever fathom.  As a husband, father, and budding entrepreneur; he was determined to provide for his mother and children. Think you know the real story? Check out the 3PM EST Flick Centric showcase of Notorious starring Jamal Woodard as the slain rapper alongside Derek Luke and Golden Globe winner Angela Bassett.

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Attention die-hard Dru Hill fans.  Think you know all there is to know about the R&B crooning fellas from Baltimore? Well, we have some little known facts that just might have you updating your fanpage. Take Note.

1. WHAT’S IN A NAME

The group’s name, Dru Hill, was taken from their favorite hangout, Druid Hill Park in their hometown of Baltimore, MD.

2. JAZZ MEETS OPERA

Member Jazz studied classical music (Baroque to Opera) at the Baltimore School of the Arts (of which Jada Pinkett-Smith and Tupac Shakur are alums).

3. SHUT IT DOWN

The late Michael Jackson flew Sisqo to Virginia in 2001, so the singer could meet the pop icon for the first time.  The pair shut down highways on the way to Jillian’s Discover Mills (now Dave & Buster’s Discover Mills), which was also shut down for the duo.

4. BOO WHO?

Around the ages of 13 years old, Dru Hill was booed after Nokio tripped over a chord during a performance at New York’s famed Apollo Theatre.  Luckily for them, the heckling didn’t last long and the group won the competition for the night.

5. DYE HARD

Sisqo dyed his hair from natural black to intense blonde on a whim, moments before the group went on set to record their first video, “Tell Me.”  The other group members were afraid it would ruin his image, and asked him to cover it up for their album cover, but it turned out to be one of the most defining elements of his—and the group.

Keith Sweat’s Platinum House airs tonight at 8PM EST only on Centric

In our nation’s history, crime has moved through eras of glorification for decades.  The most crime-ridden time era since the 1900’s took place during what is now known as the “Crack Era.”  This sweeping shift in culture took over the streets of Philadelphia from the 1960s to the 1980s.  With rampant execution style murders, extortion, and terror throughout many Pennsylvania urban neighborhoods, citizens and law enforcement were on the lookout for the cause.

The “cause” came to be known as the Philly Black Mafia.  Their claim to fame came through sickening killings of bystanders and young children in the name of religion, and their terrifying justification of it all: defense of race.  The law was hesitant to go after them in fear of mass murder and retaliation.  It wasn’t until an investigative reporter built up the courage to stand up for what was right, and the mafia was successfully taken down.  Get the full scoop on the men who left a city in fear for nerly two decades only on American Gangster.

As a member of legendary hip hop crew Treacherous Three, Kool Moe Dee shook up the scene with his fellow group mates.  It was during this time he cut the infamous freestyle roast of  Old Skool party rapper, Busy Bee Starski.  Known as the pivotal performance that birthed the creation of battle-rap, Kool Moe Dee began to stand out as a pioneering force of the “burgeoning” genre.  After making popular songs with the Treacherous Three such as “Feel the Heart Beat,” “Whip It,” and “Xmas Rap” featuring Doug E.Fresh, the group disbanded in 1985 and Kool Moe Dee went on to achieve greater success in his solo career.

Working with a very young Teddy Riley as producer, Moe Dee’s  ”Go See The Doctor” became his first solo single, and created the first sounds of the New Jack Swing movement.  With the underground hit providing him with adequate attention, Jive Records signed him, and his first self-titled album dropped soon after.  His second album, “How Ya Like Me Now” is his most commercially successful album, and went platinum; while his 1989 third album “Knowledge is King” reached gold status.  In 1991, Kool Moe Dee joined Melle Mel, Big Daddy Kane and Ice T to appear on Quincy Jones’ album, “Back on the Block,” which won a Grammy Award for Best Album of the Year.

Kool Moe Dee remains to be recognized as one of the pioneering faces of hip hop.  Catch him in his prime this Wednesday on Soul Train at 12am and 12pm only on Centric TV.

With hits such as “Fencewalk,” “Mango Meat,” “House of Wood,” and “Peace and Love,” 70’s band Manville is known as one of Funk and R&B’s most progressive acts.  Their music not only transcends time through their message, dedication, and unique and intricate musicality; but also largely in part to the latest generation.  Now known as one of the most sampled groups of our time, Mandrill has also played a role in transforming the sound of Hip Hop.  With samples used by platinum-selling artists Public Enemy, Missy Elliot, Kanye West, Nas, Mos Def and even Brandy;  Mandrill continues to stay relevant with the young and older generations.  Catch the timeless group as they’re time-capsuled on the latest episode of Soul Train, today at 5:00pm ONLY on Centric.

If you’ve already copped your “Indrupendence Day” album (in stores today), the only thing you’re missing is the guys of Dru Hill in person.  Catch them today on 106 & Park at 6PM Est. with Terrance and Rocsi.  The guys will chop it up about their new album and their experience on Keith Sweat’s Platinum House.  Following their BET appearance, you can get another dose of the members on BET radio.  Don’t have time to tune in? Check out Sisqo, Nokio, Jazz and Tao on the radio. For details go here.

After celebrating her 30^th year in the music industry last year, Teena Marie remains a powerhouse performer in the world of Soul and R&B.  As a protégé of the late legendary funk musician, Rick James; the pint-sized ivory girl stepped onto the music scene and hasn’t turned back.  Teena Marie has captivated millions with her robust, soulful vocals and musicianship (she plays the guitar, keyboard, and congas).  She dominated the charts in the 70’s and 80’s with her hit singles, “I’m a Sucker for Your Love,” “Square Biz,” “Lovergirl,” “Ooo La La La” and “Fire & Desire” of which continue to attract the attention of newer generations.  Catch the legendary songstress on a classic episode of Soul Train this Friday at 12pm and 7pm only on Centric.

Stepping has been a definitive component of African-American dance for centuries.  With elements of gymnastics, African foot dancing, tap dancing, and marching infused with African and Caribbean dance rituals— it’s become a way life for members of Black sororities and fraternities around the United States.

Steppin’: The Movie, chronicles the pursuits of a string of fraternities and sororities as they vie to win a radio sponsored step competition—which of course means bragging rights, and $20,000.

Starring Wesley Jonathan, Darius McCrary, James Avery, Big Tigger, Anthony Anderson and Mo’Nique

The FLICK CENTRIC  presentation of “Steppin: The Movie” airs today at 3pm/est only on Centric.