Soul Fixin'

'Cadillac Records'In case you are clueless, the picture above is from the upcoming film 'Cadillac Records.' Yes, that fine high yellow woman is Beyonce. She portrays living legend Etta James in the film. Many, including myself, feel that a Jill Scott may have been a better pick. Regardless, I hope Bey pulls it off. Believe it or not, there is a bit of Oscar buzz surrounding Bey's portrayal of Etta. Back to the film. 'Cadillac Records' is the story of the rise and fall of famed label Chess Records. To tell the story of Chess is to tell the story of sex, drugs, violence, race, and rock 'n' roll in 1950's Chicago and those who lived it, Muddy Waters, Leonard Chess, Etta James, Little Walter and Howlin' Wolf and Elvis Presley--to name a few. MC and actor Mos Def stars in the film as rock 'n' roll pioneer Chuck Berry. The film hits theaters December 5. Check out the preview below.

Soul Fixin'

Beyonce Cast As Etta JamesBeyonce has been cast as Etta James in the upcoming film 'Cadillac Man'. The film is based on Leonard Chess, the founder of the legendary blues label Chess Records. Chess was home to legends such as , Chuck Berry, Etta James and Muddy Waters. Etta James will consult with Beyonce during filming. Speaking to PageSix.com Etta James stated "It's a privilege and an honor to have somebody like that girl. I don't think she looks like me, but that's all right. They can fix that up." Etta went on to say "I wasn't as bourgie as she is, she's bourgeois. She knows how to be a lady, she's like a model. I wasn't like that... I smoked in the bathroom in school, I was kinda arrogant, so those are some of the things I would want to tell her." Adrien Brody, Jeffrey Wright and Cedric The Entertainer are also set to star the in the movie.
After seeing Beyonce's performance of "Proud Mary" with Tina Turner at the Grammy Awards, Etta felt confident that Beyonce could pull it off. I think Jill Scott would be a far better fit for this role. If you saw Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married? you know that Jill Scott can act, there is no question about her singing ability. In my humble opinion, Jill Scott can embody the spirit of Etta far better than Beyonce. Either way, I'm still looking forward to seeing the movie.