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The Big L Biopic (Put It On) Canceled: A Journey Cut Short of Production

February 09, 2025  /  Scrilla Guerillaz

In this pause, we anticipate the resumption of Big L's story on a platform that befits his legacy. For now, we extend our gratitude to Jesse (Daze) Swindell and Kevin Townley and the entire cast and staff for their valiant efforts, and we eagerly await the day when Big L's tale graces the silver screen, a tribute befitting the indelible mark he left on the world of hip-hop.

Actor/ rapper Sean Jenkins as Big L in record shop signing original album for store owner

In the world of entertainment, projects often go through numerous ups and downs before reaching the big screen. Such is the case with the highly-anticipated biopic of the legendary rapper, Big L, titled "PUT IT ON." Unfortunately, after a series of setbacks and challenges, the project has been officially canceled. Let's take a closer look at the journey behind the scenes.

James (Big Lee right hand man) , Jesse (Daze) Swindell film producer, Leroy Phinazee Jr. (lil Lee) Executive producer

In 2018, the hip-hop world was buzzing with excitement when news broke about the Big L biopic titled "Put It On." The script, masterfully crafted by Jesse (Daze) Swindell, received assistance from Big L's nephew, Leroy Phinazee Jr., and his brother, Don, along with other close family and friends. However, amidst personal tragedies and various challenges, the project faced unexpected setbacks, leading to its eventual cancellation. A Tragic Turn of Events: The year 2019 brought heart-wrenching news as Leroy Phinazee Jr., also known as Lil Lee, was tragically shot and killed on the very block where his father and uncle, Big Lee and Big L, respectively, met their untimely fates.

Put It On Movie cast and staff

Lil Lee's death, coupled with online feuds involving members of D.I.T.C (Diggin' in the Crates Crew), added to the already mounting difficulties faced by the biopic. A New Partnership: Realizing the need to overcome these obstacles, Jesse (Daze) Swindell decided to seek a new path forward. He teamed up with film producer Kevin Townley, hoping that this partnership would breathe new life into the project.

The path to bringing Big L's story to life proved to be an uphill battle.

Their collaboration aimed to resurrect the "Put It On" biopic and honor the legacy of the late rap legend, Big L. Casting Call and Progress: In the midst of the 2020 pandemic, despite the challenging circumstances, a casting call was held in the South Bronx at a local studio to search for the perfect actors to portray the lead characters in "Put It On." Sean Jenkins was selected to embody the late rap legend, receiving the esteemed co-sign from Big L's childhood friend, Herb McGruf

Sean Jenkins as Big L and the real Herb McGruff on set

With McGruff's endorsement, the project began to gain momentum. An Ambitious Sizzle: The passion behind the project was evident as the full cast, including portrayals of Big L, Fat Joe, Jay-Z, Big Pun, Lord Finesse, and Biggie Smalls, came together. The team shot 85% of an impressive sizzle reel on the actual streets of Harlem, capturing the essence of the era and the spirit of Big L. Over the course of a week, they meticulously crafted a 15-minute preview, showcasing their dedication and talent.

Big L and Biggie portrayed in 139st park

Obstacles and Heartbreak: Unfortunately, the road to success was not without its hurdles. The project encountered yet another setback when Big L's brother, Don, and the Big L estate decided against moving forward. Other documentaries and the sale of Big L's masters complicated the clearance process, leading to disagreement among family members involved.

Sean Jenkins as Big L, and Chavar Smalls as Big Lee posted in Harlem on 140th & Lenox

Despite the cast's dedication and enthusiasm, the project hit a major roadblock. The End of the Road: With years of frustration mounting, Jesse (Daze) Swindell made the difficult decision to throw in the towel, acknowledging that the project's journey had come to an end. However, in a final tribute to Big L's legacy, the sizzle reel, crafted with love and passion in 2020, will be released to the public before 2023 ends. Looking to the Future: Though "Put It On" may have met an unfortunate end, the story of Big L and his impact on the hip-hop community remains relevant and deserving of a cinematic portrayal. Jesse (Daze) Swindell, despite the challenges faced, still holds hope for a future film or documentary that will honor the late rapper's legacy.

Sean Jenkins as Big L and Tammi Bailey as Gilder (Pinky) Terry, Big L’s mother, on set filming his final words to her

Conclusion: The cancellation of the Big L biopic "Put It On" leaves a lingering sense of what could have been. As we bid farewell to one cinematic endeavor, we hold onto the optimism that the Big L estate, in collaboration with passionate filmmakers and the support of New York's hip-hop royalty, will produce something extraordinary in honor of the legendary lyricist.

1 Comment
categories / Biopic, Biography, Drama/action, New Movie
tags / Big L, Big L movie, Jay Z, Put it on, hip hop biopic, fat joe, biggie, big pun

"Justice Denied: Travis Leiby's Four-Year Ordeal of Wrongful Incarceration in New Jersey"

February 21, 2024  /  Scrilla Guerillaz

In the heart of New Jersey, amidst the bustling streets of Trenton NJ, a nightmare unfolded for Travis Leiby, a 35-year-old man whose life was turned upside down by a series of grave injustices. Accused of a crime he did not commit during the height of a pandemic, Leiby endured four years of wrongful incarceration, a harrowing journey through a corrupt legal system that failed to uphold his rights and deliver justice.

Travis and his nephew AJ

The ordeal began in January of 2020, when a crime rocked the streets of Trenton. Despite the absence of physical evidence linking Leiby to the scene, he found himself ensnared in a web of suspicion cast by shady detectives desperate to pin the crime on someone. Relying on coerced and inconsistent statements from non-credible witnesses, these detectives manipulated the narrative to fit their preconceived notions, disregarding the truth in their relentless pursuit of a conviction.

Leiby and his sister were arrested in March of 2020, thrust into a catastrophic nightmare from which there seemed to be no escape. Trapped within the confines of a New Jersey County Correctional Facility, Leiby faced a relentless onslaught of challenges. Overcrowded, dangerous, and inhumane living conditions plagued the correctional facilities where he is held captive, exacerbating the mental and emotional toll of his wrongful imprisonment. The loss of a child and the dissolution of his engagement added further anguish to Leiby's already burdened soul, driving him to the brink of despair.

As Leiby languished in captivity, the wheels of justice ground to a halt, mired in bureaucratic red tape and political agendas. In New Jersey, where over 90% of criminal cases are resolved through plea agreements, the pursuit of truth took a backseat to expediency, leaving countless innocent individuals languishing behind bars. A corrupt system, driven by profit and power, perpetuated the cycle of mass incarceration, ensnaring the vulnerable in its grasp.

However, a glimmer of hope emerged on April 21, 2021, when the true perpetrator of the crime for which Leiby is accused came forward. This individual confessed not only to the crime Leiby is being held for but also to 11 other shootings with 10 listed still as unsolved heinous crimes. Adding weight to his confession, the perpetrator was caught with the weapon used in the shooting, providing irrefutable evidence of his guilt. Despite this revelation, Leiby remained incarcerated, his cries for justice falling on deaf ears.

As Leiby continues to fight for his freedom, his story serves as a stark reminder of the flaws and injustices that plague the criminal justice system. With each passing day, he clings to hope, steadfast in his belief in his innocence and his unwavering determination to reclaim his life. As he endures the hardships of incarceration, Leiby remains a beacon of resilience, a symbol of the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity. And as the world watches, his fight for justice echoes far beyond the confines of his prison cell, calling attention to the urgent need for reform in a system that has failed countless individuals like him.

More fun times from Travis and AJ

If you would like to help Travis Leiby in his fight against this criminal injustice, especially as he approaches his pre-trial status conference this upcoming March 1st, you can support by donating to his GoFundMe, purchasing a "JusticeForTrav" t-shirt or just by simply sending prayers and good wishes for his continued journey.

Travis Leiby

JailCode: 23700688

Essex County Correctional Facility

354 Doremus Ave

Newark, NJ 07105

4 Comments
categories / politics, justice
tags / Travis Leiby, wrongfully accused

Culturally Responsive Instruction: Teaching physics through the lens of photography By: Sienna A. Smoot (Ed.D)

March 31, 2021  /  Scrilla Guerillaz

I propose that there be an option provided to students that affords them an integrated Physics course that fosters culturally responsive teaching (CRT). One way of doing this, is to introduce physics through the lens of photography.  


Every child is a born scientist.  Their innate desire to touch and taste things is evidence that they are natural explorers who are driven by curiosity and interests. Nevertheless, when our children step into the education system, their natural desire for learning is deduced to their ability to pass a test likely not written by someone of their culture. Their curiosity is boxed in by projects designed and developed by the educator.  Our children are attempting to display what they know without respect for the culture that they know.  

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In recent years, there has been a major push for CRT, which is a researched-based approach that creates connections between what our children learn and their culture, experiences and language.  Educators are encouraged to innovate and insert culturally-responsive activities into their curriculum.  Nevertheless, how does one insert a culture they do not know themselves.  There are various projects in the works that address that. One such project is the MILOEDU.com project created by Gary Mack and Lybroan James.  After attending this training, I was able to view teaching some aspects of Physics from a culturally responsive perspective.   



I am a science teacher in Hawaii and I am also a part-time model.  Specifically, I teach high school Physics. I am also an adjunct faculty at a local medical college here in Hawaii. I know my “ISH” when it comes to science, culture and curricula.  Physics is the study of the motion of matter, force, energy and their behavior through space and time. This definition is simplified best by saying that Physics is the study of the universe and all that is moving around in it.  Among all of the other sciences, Physics focuses on the “how” things happen.  How does light work? How does the skin react to light? How does a photographer capture an image or theme with light? 



Nevertheless, it does not matter what I know. What matters is the environment surrounding the student that fosters creativity and innovation via culturally responsive teaching. Among the environments that can deliver a cultural, equitable, relevant and real world learning experience is the learning space of photography. 


I often work with Brooklyn photographer Jihaad Muhammad owner of  https://annurmedia.com/ .  I watch him set his lens, adjust and direct the lighting. Photography is a consistent struggle to get the skin tones, theme and lighting where it needs to be. The culture of the photographer bleeds through the lens and it shows in their work. Photographers spend a lot of time teasing out the imperfections and color nuances. They find the best angle to capture the structures of the objects in their focus. Photographers manipulate, bend, and refract light in order to get a perspective about the object with appreciation for the meaning of the photograph. 

ANNUR_Wenn_N-133.jpg

The shape and thickness of the lens, time and the velocity of light are all essential to the quality of the photograph. Sensors play a role in precision in obtaining optimal focal length. Some cameras use light fields to capture the image. A light field is a set of all light rays in every point in space. This means that the camera does not have to focus first before taking a picture. It captures all light vectors. 


What does this have to do with high school physics?  In short, all of these ideas are also taught in high school physics.  There are traditional labs that have been used for decades. Then students generate a lab report and move on to the next chapter. Where is the creativity and culture in that experience? What if students produced a portfolio of photographs that display their understanding of optics?  Think about how meaningful that kind of experience would be to the student. So again, I propose that there be an option provided to students where they can be afforded an integrated Physics course that fosters CRT.  One way of doing this, is to introduce physics through the lens of photography.


FOLLOW Sienna A. Smoot (Ed.D) ON IG @SCIENCESOPHIS



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Edward L Hennings: From Bars to Business

December 03, 2020  /  Scrilla Guerillaz

Bio: Edward L. Hennings is beyond a survivor, he is successful award-winning Milwaukee based author, a world class entrepreneur, motivational speaker, life coach/mentor and policy reform advocate. He possesses a supernatural energy and drive for success like no other. As the owner of three businesses, Hair Code, a successful barber and beauty salon, Vision Universal Trucking and E.L. Hennings LLC, Edward has proven his strength and capabilities when many thought it was impossible.

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After being sentenced to 40 years in prison, he was forced to reconsider his way of thinking and the impact of his actions. While incarcerated, he participated in various initiatives to educate and mentor youth, which evoked a passion for speaking to others about his experience and dedication to overcoming adversity. After serving 20 years in prison, Edward now dedicates a large percentage of his time sharing how he turned “street skills” into key “life skills and business strategies”. Mr. Hennings revealed his collection of proven principles to passing various tests in his first book- The Answers: A Guide to Passing the Test of Your Life. Little did he know that the growing demand and popularity of his book would lead him to a new chapter as the founder of The Change Institute, an online, interactive course developed to educate, motivate and empower future entrepreneurs all over the world!

He has become a highly sought-after motivational speaker and prison reform policy advocate. Edward’s innate entrepreneurial skills has earned him a new title as a key business strategist and consultant. Previous speaking events include: Department of Workforce Development (DWD), Department of Corrections (DOC), Running Rebels, Milwaukee Police Department, and several area middle and high schools. He continues to make strategic yet impactful collaborative relationships with large organizations like the Milwaukee Bucks to help solidify and spread his message.

Edward Hennings brings a unique perspective, genuine passion and personal mission to inspire the lives of individuals who are currently, or have previously, experienced adversity and/or trauma, through motivational speaking, coaching, and mentoring. With all that he has done, it’s just the beginning!

www.edhennings.com

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tags / King Beard Oils, Edward Hennings, Business owner, motivational speaker

Queen Naija’s Debut Is Now No. 1 On Billboard’s Top R&B Albums Chart

November 16, 2020  /  Jonathan P. Wright

Queen Naija, who is a singer/songwriter and is platinum-certified, has managed to become a part of the Billboard’s Top R&B Albums chart,

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categories / new music
tags / #radiopushers, #blacklivesmatter, #blm, #tupac, #justiceforbreonnataylor, #themillennialgeneral, #digitalmogul, #georgefloyd, #justiceforall, #trustdaprocess, #cantbreathe, #striveforgreatness, #cnn, #donlemon, #goodmorningamerica, #iheartradio, #tidal, #youtube, #resultsandnohype, #hhs1987, #981fmboston, #wtsxpower104fm, #revolttv, #starz, #power, #ciroc, #walmart, #mcdonalds, #black365, #missunderstood, #queennaija

At the MTV EMAs, Doja Cat Performs “Say So” and is later declared Best New Artist

November 16, 2020  /  Jonathan P. Wright

This year, during the MTV Europe Music Awards, Doja Cat, who is a multi-platinum singer-songwriter made use of the platform to demonstrate her versatility by singing “Say So” in a metal version.

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categories / new music
tags / #radiopushers, #blacklivesmatter, #blm, #tupac, #justiceforbreonnataylor, #themillennialgeneral, #digitalmogul, #georgefloyd, #justiceforall, #trustdaprocess, #cantbreathe, #striveforgreatness, #cnn, #donlemon, #goodmorningamerica, #iheartradio, #tidal, #youtube, #resultsandnohype, #hhs1987, #981fmboston, #wtsxpower104fm, #revolttv, #starz, #power, #ciroc, #walmart, #mcdonalds, #black365, #peloton, #beyonce

New Video Released For “Don’t Need Friends” by Nav Features Lil Baby

November 16, 2020  /  Jonathan P. Wright

Last Friday, latest mixtape of Nav has been released titled Emergency Tsunami. It was produced by Wheezy, who has been a collaborator

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categories / new music
tags / #radiopushers, #blacklivesmatter, #blm, #tupac, #justiceforbreonnataylor, #themillennialgeneral, #digitalmogul, #georgefloyd, #justiceforall, #trustdaprocess, #cantbreathe, #striveforgreatness, #cnn, #donlemon, #goodmorningamerica, #iheartradio, #tidal, #youtube, #resultsandnohype, #hhs1987, #981fmboston, #wtsxpower104fm, #revolttv, #starz, #power, #ciroc, #walmart, #mcdonalds, #black365, #missunderstood, #queennaija

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