Ever have two things going on at the same time and you want to be involved in both but that’s not possible because you’re only one person?

Well, welcome to my world. It happens often and very seldom do those things work out. Thanks to modern technology –more specifically, my cell phone – Sunday night was one of those it-worked-out times.

I wanted to check out the Academy Awards but Sunday evening was Basement Soul Lounge night at the Rumba Room, which meant yours truly had to work. No worries. I relied upon my trusty cell phone to get up-to-date details, particularly on whether Mo’Nique would walk away with the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film “Precious.”

“Precious,” which was released on DVD this week, was nominated in six categories, including Best Picture and Best Director. Most people I know had their eyes on Mo’Nique. “Precious” snared two awards – Best Screenplay and, of course, Best Supporting Actress.  

It seems like every couple of years or so, there is a film that features an African American actor or actress, creates a buzz and has everyone glued to their seats to see what happens. I’m reminded of Jamie Foxx portraying Ray Charles in “Ray.” He was expected to win, mainly because you could not watch that film and think about Jamie Foxx. The man “was” Ray Charles. Same thing with Mo’Nique role in “Precious.” You could not really look at this film and feel like you were watching Mo’Nique on screen. She was not Mo’Nique; she was “Mary.” That’s why a lot of people hated her.

I hated Mary. The last movie where I really hated a character was “The Color Purple.” I hated Mister, who was played by Danny Glover. I think a lot of people hated that character, especially women. As a matter of fact, my mother hated Danny Glover himself because she could not separate him from Mister. If you had asked her who played in the “Lethal Weapon” movies, she would have said, “Mel Gibson and Mister.” (lol)

I am really happy for Mo’Nique. She deserved her award. I hope she gets even better roles as a result of her win. If you didn’t catch “Precious” in theaters, go out and pick it up on DVD. It might make you a little depressed and angry. Just remember to separate the characters from the actors.

On Another Note:

Stamp the word “great” on Will Graves’ performance at Basement Lounge. The same goes for his personality. It’s rare that you can find an entertainer who gives you great music and makes you laugh as well. Check out his Web site at www.willgraves.com. I’m telling you, again, that the boy is good. Also, check out the Basement Soul Lounge each and every first and Third Sunday from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. at the Rumba Room, located downtown at 303 South Main.

Ask Myron:

Q: “What is the deal with singer DeAngelo? He is way too talented to be getting into all of this trouble”


A: I agree. For those who haven’t heard, DeAngelo was arrested early Sunday morning for soliciting sex from a police officer, who he thought was a prostitute. His camp has released a statement saying that he has pleaded not guilty and is trying to clear the allegations against him. It also states that he is looking forward to releasing his third album later this year, which has been delayed several times due to his legal problems.

(Myron Mays is a freelance columnist and host of “Myron at Midnite” on WRBO Soul Classics 103.5. Got an entertainment question? Send me an email at myron@myronmays.com or catch me on Facebook and Twitter. If your question is printed in the column, I’ll send you a couple of free tickets to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.)