Spike Lee’s “Chi-Raq” Will Be Amazon’s First Feature Film

While Amazon battles its “Christmas In July” sale competition with Walmart, the prominent online marketer announced Spike Lee’s Chi-Raq film will be its first feature-length film. Based on the reoccurring violence in the inner-city of the Chicago, Lee’s cast includes Nick Cannon, Jennifer Hudson, Common, Wesley Snipes and John Cusack— some of whom grew up in the city. Despite the criticism the film has received for its title (a slang word used to describe the level of violence and conflict in the city), Amazon reports filming finished last week. Many politicians believe it will be hurtful to Chicago’s tourism, although they fail to address ways to better its on-going gun violence situation.

[Madamenoire]

Not So Happy Prime Day: Amazon’s Biggest Deal Day Disappoints Shoppers

…Amazon’s 20th birthday celebration, “Prime Day,” is here, but by the looks of Twitter where #PrimeDay is currently trending customers are not too thrilled… Amazon’s plan to create a sale day to rival that of Black Friday apparently does not have the magic of the coveted post-Thanksgiving shopping day. The biggest blunder? The selection of products on sale do not consist of the shiny large flat screens or instant one-cup coffee makers. Instead options range from Tupperware to supplements. Amazon’s preview of deals had many in hopes of finding great products, but when shoppers logged on they received a different reality.

[Madamenoire]

White Artist’s Michael Brown Exhibit Deemed Offensive By Activists

An art gallery on Chicago‘s South Side recently unveiled an exhibit that features images related to slain Ferguson teen, Michael Brown. According to the observations from some activists, many feel the depiction of Brown’s body at a police death scene has crossed over the line into being offensive. The Gallery Guichard unveiled an exhibit from white visual artist Ti-Rock Moore titled Confronting Truths: Wake Up!, which the New Orleans native hopes will ignite deeper conversations abut race, violence and the realities of white privilege. And while Moore’s aims seem to come from a wholly respectful if jarring place, activists… [have criticised on the grounds that it exploits the tragedy black Americans face for profit through the artist’s own white privilege].

[HipHopWired]

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