BILL VAUGHAN’S TASTY CLIPS:New Netflix doc examines Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali

By Bill Vaughan

Entertainment Writer

For three pivotal years, Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X forged a brotherhood that would not only change both men, but change the world.

A new Netflix presentation “Blood Brothers: Malcolm X & Muhammad Ali,” premiering Sept. 9, tells the extraordinary story behind the friendship — and the ultimate falling out — of two of the most iconic figures of the 20th century.

In this new feature-length documentary from producer Kenya Barris (“Black-ish,” “Girls Trip”), director Marcus A. Clarke offers a fresh perspective by using insider voices and never-before-seen footage to chart this most complex of friendships, tracing the near simultaneous and symbiotic rise of the charismatic and outspoken Olympic champion who charmed the nation, and the ex-con-turned intellectual revolutionary who railed against oppression.

Through interviews with those closest to them — Malcolm X’s daughter Ilyasah Shabazz, Ali’s brother Rahman and daughters Maryum and Hana — and cultural luminaries such as professor Cornel West and Rev. Al Sharpton, the film illuminates their meeting, bonding and eventual falling out over discord within the leadership of the Nation of Islam.

The documentary feature is inspired by the book “Blood Brothers: The Fatal Friendship Between Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X” written by Randy Roberts and Johnny Smith.

Barris moves on from this to a new Netflix comedy film teaming Eddie Murphy and Jonah Hill called an update of the 1967 classic “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner.”

RED CARPET WALK: Beloved L.A. radio superstar and DJ Kurt “Big Boy” Alexander will receive his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Sept. 8 at 11:30 a.m. His spot will be at 6212 Hollywood Blvd, near Argyle Avenue.

HONORABLE: When the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures opens its 10,000-square-foot lobby to the public on Sept. 30, it will be named after the great actor Sidney Poitier thanks to a campaign supported by Tyler Perry, Oprah Winfrey and additional key donors.

CLIPPETTES: The Hollywood Black Comedy Festival presents Deon Cole & Friends: Corey Holcomb, Earthquake, Luenell, Ryan Davis and Tony Roberts at Inglewood’s new YouTube Theater Sept. 3 … 

Also that evening: EPMD, Daley and DW3 headline a free concert at Dignity Health Sports Complex; rapper Lloyd Banks is at The Novo; and reggaeton singer Maluma brings his Papi Juancho Tour to The Forum for two nights

Grammy and Oscar-winning singer-songwriter H.E.R. is set to make her acting debut in a feature film version of the Broadway musical adaptation of “The Color Purple.” She’ll be the new Squeak, memorably played by Rae Dawn Chong in the 1985 Steven Spielberg movie version of Alice Walker’s novel

Old School will be in the house at a couple of events Sept. 5. Anaheim’s Toyota Arena hosts TLC, Keith Sweat, Jodeci, Ginuwine, Montell Jordan and 112 …

Meanwhile, Irvine’s FivePoint Amphitheatre is holding the OC Funk Fest with Cheech & Chong, Zapp, Sugarhill Gang, Joe Bataan, Rose Royce, Evelyn “Champagne” King, Slave, Dazz Band, One Way, and Tuxedo featuring Meyer Hawthorne & Jake One; as Buddy Guy and Ally Venable bring the blues to the Saban Theatre  

Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Megan Fox and martial artist Tony Jaa have been named as the newest members of “The Expendables” franchise joining the original cast of Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren and Randy Couture for the fourth film in the series

Barnes & Noble welcomes rapper, songwriter, entrepreneur and founder of the Maybach Music Group, Rick Ross, for a live, virtual discussion of his insightful new book, “The Perfect Day To Boss Up: A Hustler’s Guide To Building Your Empire” virtually on Sept. 7. Visit Eventbrite.com for tickets in advance

Musical offerings that date include Too Many Zooz, the revolutionary three-piece New York “Brasshouse” band that is a favorite of Beyoncé, playing the Fonda Theatre with Big Freedia; Pat Benatar and Neil Geraldo at City National Grove of Anaheim; and L.A. native rapper and songwriter Duckwrth beginning a two-night stand at The Roxy

Congrats to “Candyman” director Nia DaCosta on becoming the first Black woman to debut a film at No. 1!

TASTY QUIP: “It’s almost a little jarring, I’ve been fighting and working for all of my career for representation that is true and authentic and accurate for Indigenous stories and creators. The jarring part is that the Rez accent that I was told I needed to lose in order to be successful, or the Mohawk-isms that I was encouraged to get rid of, are now all the things that are making our show successful. All of the things that made me Indigenous that were considered a negative in the industry are now something that’s being celebrated.” – DEVERY JACOBS of FX on Hulu’s “Reservation Dogs” to the NY Post

TC ON TV: Sept. 3 – “Cinderella” (Amazon): A live-action musical adaptation starring singer Camila Cabello, Idina Menzel and Billy Porter as the Fab G! “Happier Than Ever: A Love Letter To Los Angeles” (Disney+): Billie Eilish’s cinematic concert experience, directed by Robert Rodriquez, fresh off the heels of her brand-new album, from the stage of the legendary Hollywood Bowl. Guests include her brother, singer-songwriter Finneas, the L.A. Children’s Chorus, the L.A. Phil conducted by Gustavo Dudamel, and world-renowned Brazilian guitarist, Romero Lubambo. “Friday Night Vibes” (TBS): Guests Yvonne Orji and Jimmy O. Yang join Tiffany Haddish for the double feature of “Let’s Be Cops” and “Set It Off.” “Bitchin’: The Sound and Fury of Rick James” (Showtime): The funkster gets the documentary treatment.

Sept. 4 – “8:46 Films” (CBS): Gayle King presents this showcase of shorts by budding directors including the touching animated “She Dreams At Sunrise” by “Batwoman” actor Camrus Johnson and Zoey Martinson’s “Cupids” starring Melanie Nicholls King (“The Wire”).       

Sept. 5 – “Uncensored” (TV1): Bebe Winans

Sept. 6 – “Celebrity IOU Joyride” (Disc+): Octavia Spencer “Days Of Our Lives: Beyond Salem” (Peacock): An original limited-series bringing together past and present Salem residents as portrayed by Lisa Rinna, Deidre Hall, Jackée Harry and James Reynolds. “Social Society” (AllBlk): A one-hour sketch comedy variety show featuring Kendall Kyndall that brings “instafamous” personalities together for laughs, performances and the latest in entertainment news. “Harry & Meghan: Escaping The Palace” (Lifetime): This new movie, starring Jordan Dean (“The Punisher”) and Sydney Morton (“She’s Gotta Have It”) as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, explores what really happened inside the palace that drove the royal couple to leave everything behind in order to make a future for themselves and their son Archie.

Sept. 7 – “Queen Sugar” (OWN): The Bordelon family comes out of the pandemic with Ralph Angel (Kofi Siriboe) and Darla (Bianca Lawson) planning the arrival of their new baby, and Charley (Dawn-Lyen Gardner) facing a life-altering decision. “Chopped” (Food): The “Playing With Fire” finals for $25,000 are here with Brooklyn-born Atlanta caterer and chef Nikki Hicks hoping to add some smoke.

Sept. 8 – “Wu-Tang: An American Saga” (Hulu): The second season is unveiled with three episodes. “Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.” (Disney+): A coming-of-age dramedy inspired by the hit sitcom “Doogie Howser, M.D.,” follows a 16-year-old prodigy juggling a budding medical career and life as a teenager in modern-day Hawaii.  “Masterchef” (Fox): Chefs Nyesha Arrington and Suzette Gresham are guest judges in the two-hour semi-finals.  “Too Soon: Comedy After 9/11” (Vice): Cedric The Entertainer, Russell Peters and other comics look back at how the tragedy transformed their industry.

Sept. 9 – “Behind The Music” (Paramount+): Fat Joe  “All The Queen’s Men” (BET+): A new scripted show based on the popular book “Ladies Night,” created by actor Christian Keyes, whom also serves as a writer for the series.  Eva Marcille and Michael “Bolo” Bolwaire from “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” are featured with Kim Fields Morgan directing.  “Frogger” (Paramount+): Damon Wayans Jr. serves as host of this fun competition based on the classic video game with $100,000 at stake. “Top Chef Family Style” (Peacock): 15 culinary prodigies from across the nation compete with an adult family member for the chance to be crowned champions. Hosted by Grammy Award-winning singer Meghan Trainor with acclaimed chef, James Beard Award winner and best-selling cookbook author Marcus Samuelsson serving as head judge.

IN MEMORIUM: “It was always a unique experience being around him. He opened minds with his creativity and his personality. Some people thought it was madness, but I recognized it was genius, uniqueness, courage and freedom. He made no apology for being himself and you had to accept that and figure out the deeper meanings to his words and character. [LEE “SCRATCH” PERRY] was a massive personality, he was a creator, a pioneer, a wizard, a shaman, a magician, a philosopher, a musical scientist. A man like him will never come this way again.” – ZIGGY MARLEY to Rolling Stone on the legendary reggae great and Bob Marley mentor who died Aug. 29 at the age of 85.

As featured in the Los Angeles Wave and Independent, Tasty Clips is one of the leading entertainment columns in the nation, serving nearly one million weekly readers. Bill Vaughan may be reached at tastyclips@yahoo.com, via Twitter @tastyclips, or Instagram @tasty_clips.