Throughout the eight season run of The Cosby Show, Phylicia Rashad’s turn as lawyer mom Claire Huxtable set the tone for working mothers the world over. The definition of strength, sensitivity and love; the character created by Rashad will go down as one of the best on-screen mothers in television history. But what about Rashad beyond the popular sitcom? For starters she is a college educated Southern belle, however there is so much more to know about her. Do you know Phylicia Rashad? Test your knowledge and take our quiz.

1.  Where was Phylicia Rashad born?

a. Houston, TX  b.  Washington, D.C.  c. Chicago, IL

2.  Rashad is an alum of what Historically Black College or University?

a.  Spellman College  b. Howard University  c. Morgan State University

3.  She is a member of what sorority ?

a.  Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.  b. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.  c.  Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

4.  In what year did Phylicia Rashad become the first African American woman to win the Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress for A Raisin in the Sun?

a.  2000  b. 2004  c. 2008

5.  What Pulitzer Prize winning stage play did she star in that was directed by her sister Debbie Allen in 2008?

a. Gem of the Ocean  b.  Fame  c.  Cat On A Hot Tin Roof

Tune in daily for The Cosby Show at 8PM EST only on Centric.

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Best known for his 1999 single “U Know What’s Up,” Chicago native Donell Jones is back with “Love Like This” —his first single in over three years—that might just surpass the success of his signature single. “Love Like This” exposes a level of vulnerability and growth that is synonymous with a mature lover, partner, and friend.

Loving the new and improved Donell Jones? Then vote for “Love Like This” on Centric’s 20 to 1 Countdown, and see if the video can make it’s way to the number one spot.

So Labor Day weekend is over, and even though that means that the summer is officially coming to a close, that doesn’t mean that vacations to exotic locales—with amazing beaches—have to stop here and now.

If you live in a city that experiences all four seasons, the end of summer is usually something you dread.  Have some extra vacation time? How about a late getaway? Centric has a list of three beach locales you should try to visit before the next summer rolls around…and who knows you might benefit from off peak pricing.

1.  Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia (pictured above) – The “Land Down Under” may be far, but it’s nothing short of beautiful.  Bondi Beach is less than an hour from Sydney, so while you travel to experience white, sandy beaches you can also enjoy the capital city of Australia in all it’s glory. Read the rest of this entry »

Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs is well known for his roles in Cooley High and The Jacksons: An American Dream, his range as an actor is under-appreciated and relatively unknown.  Hilton-Jacobs has been working professionally since the 1970’s and is a very familiar face when it comes to television.

If you are having trouble recalling where you’ve seen Hilton-Jacobs’ face, take a stroll down memory lane and  see how many of the 10 programs listed are places where you may have seen him:

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Kyla Pratt is a face and a voice that you’ve seen around and heard for the past 15 years, but you’re probably the most familiar with her from her roles in the Dr. Doolittle movie series, “One on One” and “The Proud Family.”  This 23 year-old has had a career that most adult actors and actresses dream of, and based on her track record Ms. Pratt shows no sign of slowing down or stopping any time soon.

With a career spanning two decades Kyla has been seen in more movies and television shows than you probably realize.  If that seems impossible, Centric will help you jog your memory and tell you eight places that you’ve seen Kyla Pratt over the years that you may have overlooked. Read the rest of this entry »

Baltimore is a city snuggled between the busy North and hospitality filled South, but it’s often times overlooked and dwarfed by the greatness of the nation’s capital.  The home of former Keith Sweat’s Platinum House tenants Dru Hill, Baltimore has a vast history and is worth a visit. Not convinced? We’ve got you covered…

1.  The National Aquarium – Baltimore is the home of the National Aquarium, which is one of the world’s largest aquariums and a great place to explore with the entire family.

2. Architechture – Founded in 1729, the city has a large range of architechture in the town that spans at least two centuries.   The various styles can be seen if you tour the city, but it’s also evident in the city’s beautiful skyline.

3. Food – Baltimore is a huge port, and known for their crabs.  Every summer you can (and should) travel to Baltimore for Crab Fest and indulge in some of the best seafood in the United States.

Tune in tonight to catch Baltimore’s own Dru Hill on Keith Sweat’s Platinum House at 8PM EST only on Centric.

Very few people are able to live the life that they were destined to live without second guessing every move that they make.  Bevy Smith is one dynamic woman that has lived her life happily while simultaneously defining the way that a generation lives and interacts.

Best known for “Dinner With Bevy,” Ms. Smith’s life experience extends way beyond her luxurious dinner parties.  The Harlem native exudes confidence and is a walking definition of the word “success.”  Sitting down and chatting with Bevy made me feel like I was talking to an aunt that is full of wisdom, advice, and love to spare.  At 43-years-old, Bevy’s journey to becoming the successful is nothing short of unique and divine. 

To give you a little taste of who Bevy Smith is here are some key facts about her life on and off the clock.

1.  She is a LIFESTYLE MAVEN.  Don’t call her a publicist or a party planner because that is not what she does.

2.  “Dinner With Bevy” was a concept born after running into Omarion as she was leaving a party.  Bevy noticed the obvious separation between the urban world and the mainstream world and she wanted to merge them together so that urban stars could gain the same exposure as their mainstream counterparts.  This led to her first dinner party that celebrated Musiq Soulchild. 

3.  She worked as the Fashion Ad Director at VIBE and then later at Rolling Stone.

4.  On top of being a lifestyle maven, Bevy is also a freelance writer and TV personality.  Her work has been seen in VIBE and Paper Magazine, and she can be seen on BET, Oxygen, and the CBS Morning Show to name a few.

5.  She always accessorizes with a bangles, necklaces, and a seasonally appropriate fragrance.

Aside from these tidbits about Bevy, it’s important that you know that she’s also a philanthropist that works with NYC’s GEMS (Girls Education & Mentoring Services).  This organization was featured in the documentary “Very Young Girls” and focuses on helping girls that have worked in the commercial sex industry.  GEMS aides them in their educational goals and helps to build their self-esteem so that they can become successful women in today’s society.

Like Tracey Ferguson from Centric’s “Keeping Up With the Joneses,” Bevy Smith is a dynamic woman that has contributed immensely to our community.  If you’ve ever looked for a blueprint on how to be successful, never hesitate to look at Bevy.

Every Thursday night you get the chance to see what it’s like to be Tracey Ferguson.  You watch her nuture her children, run a magazine, and keep amazingly coiffed hair.  In honor of  JONES Magazine ONCENTRIC is spotlighting woman who carry the ”Jones” spirit. 

Va$htie is a NYC 20-something better known as “Downtown’s Sweetheart” that is originally from upstate New York.  She’s a music video director, fashion designer (Violette New York), and trendsetter that has taken her passions straight to the top as she influences a generation of people to live freely and to be confident in everything they do.  With a flare for style and unmatched confidence, Va$htie recently told Centric what makes a “Jones woman” and what she can’t live without during the hottest months of the year.

Centric: In your opinion, what makes a dynamic woman?

Va$htie: Someone not afraid to be who they are…despite the imperfections, they are unapologetically themselves. I think as women we’re taught that “pretty” is the ultimate goal. While “pretty” will get you noticed, it’s not something that will last nor will it keep anyone’s attention for long if there’s nothing behind it. I love strong willed, powerful and smart women. Women who think outside the box and don’t follow trends, rather they blaze trails as they move.

What and who influenced your style?

Everything from film to music to art. As a kid I was glued to TV and magazines. I’m from the MTV generation that still had music videos in heavy rotation, so that had a huge impact. Musicians like RUN DMC, RAKIM, DEPECHE MODE, NAS, NENEH CHERRY, DEEE-LITE, etc.
Having an older brother and sister played a huge part. They were both 7 and 8 years my senior and they were the coolest people I knew. My gay brother introduced me to NYC, house music, fashion and voguing.  My sister taught me music and her style of flipping her hair to one side and denim cutoffs. If you know me today, you know that all of those things are still present in my life. It’s like I’m stuck in a moment and all those things still amaze me as if I was still a child.

Summer is rapidly approaching, describe your summertime style.

Hmmm. I’m a creature of habit and I like comfort. It’s usually denim cutoffs, biker boots or skippies and a wide armed tank top or an oversized Violette tee. I’m not a sundress and sandal kind of girl, but if I must dress up I’d probably wear a black mini and a crop tee with some boots. I usually throw on a light fabric long sleeved shirt for when it gets chilly.

What are the three colors that you can’t go without during the summer?

Black, white and denim.

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