At 10PM EST on Centric be sure to tune in and watch BET’s original series “American Gangster.”  Tonight’s episode focuses on infamous Chicago gang leader Willie Lloyd.  He was once the head of Chicago’s Vice Lords and Gangster Disciples, and even after being sent to prison for murder in 1971 he was still a huge influence in the gang world even becoming the Vice Lords “spokesman.”  Lloyd was released from prison in the 90’s, but he went back on weapons charges until his final release in 2001.  After his last stint in jail he left gang life and started The Cease Fire Project to deter youth from street life.  In 2003 gang members that disagreed with Lloyd and The Cease Fire Project shot him numerous times in an attempt to kill him that left him paralyzed from the neck down.  This is one episode that you definitely don’t want to miss.

Hip hop legend Notorious B.I.G. was one of Hip-Hop’s finest, and unfortunately for music he was taken before his time.

Born as Christopher Wallace in Brooklyn, NY, the Notorious B.I.G. grew up with is mother in a single parent household.  Due to his need and want to help his mother out financially—and a personal want for the finer things in life—he started selling crack cocaine in the 1980’s and eventually got caught and was briefly locked up.  It was in jail where his musical genius took off. Read the rest of this entry »

Mutulu Shakur became known as one of the masterminds behind the 1981 Brinks heist in a New York suburb that left three people dead. Currently serving a 60 year sentence in a federal prison, AG takes an exclusive look into the  man many say is innocent. “American Gangster” tonight at 10PM EST.

in 2004, Barack Obama seemed to come out of nowhere at the Democratic National Convention—capturing the attention of the masses. Little did anyone know, the now former Illinois senator would become the first black President of the United States. Not to be confused, his success wasn’t overnight—it was a journey many years in the making.

In the documentary ‘Becoming Barack: Evolution of a Leader’ the development of one of the most influential men in recent history is chronicled. Capturing a rare glimpse into the politician’s personal world, viewers see his vulnerability,principals, and core ideals as a man, father and political figure.

Featured is early, never-before-seen footage of Obama’s earliest on screen interviews. Including a 12-minute “lost interview” from 1993 following his induction to the Harvard Law Review. Also showcased: a rare personal photo gallery with family, friends, and beloved members of his Chicago community. A community that helped establish him  as the leader he is today. —Kyle Price/J. Dwayne Joseph

Tune into Centric TV on February 15, 2010: ‘Becoming Barack: Evolution of a Leader’, at 8pm. For the latest info check out the ‘Becoming Barack’ website, Facebook fan page and Twitter.