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Get ready for a thrilling ride into the underbelly of Tokyo’s real estate market with the upcoming Netflix series, Tokyo Swindlers. Premiering on July 25th, this gripping crime drama promises a suspenseful exploration of greed, deception, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Based on the novel of the same name by Ko Shinjo, Tokyo Swindlers is directed and written by the award-winning Hitoshi One (Moteki, Elpis). One masterfully crafts a world where cunning “land swindlers” exploit vulnerabilities in the system to orchestrate elaborate real estate scams.

A Look Behind the Curtain

The heart-pounding teaser trailer offers a glimpse into this high-stakes game. We meet the smooth-talking swindlers, a team of charismatic schemers led by the veteran conman Harrison Yamanaka (Etsushi Toyokawa, Baian the Assassin, M.D.). Yamanaka takes a young and ambitious Takumi Tsujimoto (Go Ayano, Yu Yu Hakusho, Let’s Go Karaoke!) under his wing, molding him into a skilled negotiator for the group. The trailer also introduces the developers, unsuspecting victims lured into the swindlers’ intricate web of lies, and the tenacious police officers determined to crack the case.

A Stellar Ensemble Brings the Story to Life

Tokyo Swindlers boasts an impressive cast that brings depth and intrigue to the characters. Go Ayano delivers a captivating performance as Takumi, torn between the allure of easy money and the nagging doubts about his chosen path. Etsushi Toyokawa portrays the charismatic yet ruthless Harrison Yamanaka, a man who thrives on manipulation. The team of swindlers is fleshed out by talented actors like Kazuki Kitamura, Eiko Koike, Pierre Taki, Shota Sometani, and Anthony, each bringing their unique brand of charm and cunning to the table.

More Than Just a Con Game

But Tokyo Swindlers isn’t just about the thrill of the heist. The series also delves into the human cost of greed and deception. We see the impact of scams on unsuspecting victims, who are shattered by the loss of their hard-earned money. The narrative explores the moral complexities of Takumi’s position, caught between loyalty to his mentor and the desire to walk away from a life of crime.

Justice vs. Greed: A Race Against Time

Meanwhile, the determined police officers, played by Izumi Matsuoka and Lily Franky, relentlessly pursue the swindlers. As the net closes in, the pressure mounts and the team’s carefully constructed operation threatens to crumble. Can Takumi and his crew pull off their most ambitious scam yet, a staggering 10-billion-yen heist? Or will their past secrets and the relentless pursuit of justice bring their house of cards crashing down?

Find out when Tokyo Swindlers premieres on Netflix on July 25th. Prepare to be on the edge of your seat as this suspenseful drama unfolds, revealing the dark side of Tokyo’s glittering real estate market.

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Long before LeBron James, we had Olympic track star Butch Reynolds as a highly visible favorite son in my hometown, Akron, Ohio. Not only are both at the top of their game, they also serve as role models who possess strong family values, community pride, character and the solid work ethic that typifies the Rubber City, whose tire factories literally put the world on wheels.

That’s partly why so many local residents — along with fellow athletes and sports fans across the globe — have always believed that Reynolds was innocent of the doping charges that derailed his career. The Hall of Famer’s life and challenges are chronicled in “False Positive,” a new documentary that aired at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 11, 2024, as part of the 15th anniversary season of ESPN’s “30 for 30” series.

“False Positive,” directed by Ismail Al-Amin and co-produced with Bradford Young, Philip Aromando, Marquis Daisy and Jonathan Hock, will stream on ESPN+ after its debut.

“Honestly, I didn’t really know if Butch was a guilty athlete or not,” Al-Amin, also of Akron, said. But as he conducted extensive research and pored over the evidence, Al-Amin was convinced this was a story that needed to be told.

Track legend Jesse Owens inspired Reynolds to attend The Ohio State University, where he broke records and brought home NCAA titles. Reynolds also gained international acclaim and endorsements, most notably breaking a 20-year world record in the 400-meter dash in 1988. He also won gold and silver medals at the Summer Olympics in Seoul, Korea, that year.

His star was rising, but dimmed when the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) accused him of using performance-enhancing drugs in 1990 and suspended him for two years. Known then as the “world’s fastest man,” Reynolds countered that he would never take steroids and that he didn’t need to use them.

“It was a very lonely time,” Reynolds recalled after the recent premiere of “False Positive” at the Cleveland International Film Festival. 

Through the ups and downs of his life, the documentary explains how urine samples were bungled, the depth of international politics in sports and the effect of all this on other athletes. Viewers also see how legal expenses drained earnings from endorsements, leaving Reynolds broke and in tears when the house he had purchased for his mother went into foreclosure.

“My upbringing and having that spiritual foundation coming up, that’s what kept me strong, kept me together,” he said. “It was definitely God.”

Nevertheless, he acknowledged the difficulty in fighting against anger and bitterness as he battled to clear his name and his family’s name at the behest of his grandfather.

“After three months of living with that type of mindset. I said, ‘No this is not a world record holder. This is not an Olympic gold medal winner. This is not what you stand for, and this is not what my parents stood for. So, Butch, change your mindset,’” he said.

He also drew upon the examples of Jesse Owens and Muhammad Ali. “These guys had big shoulders,” he said. “They had a positive outlook on life no matter what negativity they saw or had to deal with.”

Reynolds is grateful that he has cleared his name through U.S. courts and athletic bodies. However, the IAAF (now known as World Athletics) has yet to fully acknowledge legal and financial rulings in his favor. And Reynolds considers this the final lap of his race for justice – and to clear the Reynolds name once and for all.

Yanick Rice Lamb is a journalist, author and professor at Howard University. She also briefly discusses the Great Migration in “False Positive.”

Editor’s note: The following article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the author’s own. Read more opinions on theGrio.

I still remember when Mary J. Blige came into my life. I was 13 and the video for “Real Love” came onto whatever video show I had on a VHS tape. The opening beat break had me in a trance and the hip-hop soul of it had me entranced. Hip-hop soul is my genre, and my love for it is why SWV will always reign supreme as my second favorite singing group of all time right behind Jodeci.

Back to Mary, though. I was living in Germany at the time, and I remember all of middle school couldn’t get enough of her “What’s the 411?” album. I let the tape rock until the tape popped. When “My Life” dropped in 1994, well, Mary was the hottest thing smoking. “Be Happy,” the lead single from “My Life,” is still one of my favorite records of all time and still my favorite Mary J. Blige record, though “Everything” from 1997’s “Share My World” album is probably a close second. I bought “Share My World” the day it came out on April 22, 1997, and it is not unusual to hear me bumping that album even today. 

In fact, excuse me for a second as I go listen to “Everything” with my full attention because this song brings me such joy that I refuse to be distracted while listening to it — be right back. 

Back. 

Man, I love Mary J. Blige. I’ve watched most movies she’s been in and despite thinking that her character on “Power Book II: Ghost” is the worst mother in the history of matriarchy, I’m going to be sad when her character is either killed or the series ends, whichever comes first (my money is on her catching a bullet, though). The experience of Mary J. Blige brings me joy. 

And that’s why what I’m about to say is going to sound absurd: I haven’t actually listened to a Mary J. Blige album in full since “Share My World.” I didn’t even realize she had 14 (!!!!) studio albums. 

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Let me be clear: This isn’t some intentional avoidance of Mary’s later albums. In fact, I (of course) know all of the hits and have debated who, what, when, where and why a “dancery” is with the best of them. I know the hits. I just don’t actually know what albums they belong to. In fact, I think the problem is that somewhere between moving from physical compact discs (“Share My World” was the last Mary CD I actually purchased) and streaming, I stopped buying albums at all, so by the aughts, I had moved on from an album model to letting singles lead the way for me. I wasn’t compelled to go out and buy the actual albums (no shade) and that means I don’t know any more deep cuts. Unless Mary had a single that was banging in the clubs or on the radio I probably missed it. Now, I never assumed Mary wasn’t releasing music at all, I just assumed that her television and film career had taken over as it has for many artists. 

I still saw her perform several times over the years and there were some songs I didn’t know but when she’s doing runs of hits, I mostly know all the songs. That’s why I was so surprised to see just how many albums Mary had released in total. I was befuddled. I even felt a slight tinge of guilt for not being a faithful fan the way I thought I was. I even went back and tried to listen to some of the albums but there’s something about the experience of hearing albums in real time; Mary is one of the most relatable artists of all time so her albums feel like distinct moments in time. I have memories tied to those albums that I will carry until my final days. Since there aren’t any memories attached to her post-“Share My World” albums, just the singles, the albums didn’t quite hit for me the way I’d hoped. It was years before I even realized that the notorious Mary J. Blige Burger King commercial where she sang about chicken was based off her song “Don’t Mind.” That’s wild. That rhymes. I’ll stop now.

So here I stand as a devout fan of Mary J. Blige and an acolyte of her first three albums as one of the greatest three-album runs ever, and there are nearly a dozen other albums that I can barely name. It’s a paradox, for sure. Or maybe I’m just an enigma. Either way, my bad, Mary. 

What I do know for sure is that Mary’s early run was so amazing that it turned me into a lifelong fan, and whether I ever fall into love with the rest of her albums matters not, because for my life, Mary J. Blige is everything and everything is she. 

Panama Jackson is a columnist at theGrio and host of the award-winning podcast, “Dear Culture” on theGrio Black Podcast Network. He writes very Black things, drinks very brown liquors, and is pretty fly for a light guy. His biggest accomplishment to date coincides with his Blackest accomplishment to date in that he received a phone call from Oprah Winfrey after she read one of his pieces (biggest) but he didn’t answer the phone because the caller ID said “Unknown” (Blackest).

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Rising Puerto Rican singer-songwriter ELENA returns with her captivating new single “No Quiero Amarte,” a bachata pop anthem that showcases her versatility and artistic growth. The track, penned by ELENA herself, is produced by renowned Grammy-winning producer Andrés Castro. “No Quiero Amarte” is a powerful declaration of ELENA’s talent and serves as the lead single from her forthcoming sophomore album, “Qué tú te crees?,” set for release on July 11th.

“No Quiero Amarte” delves into the depths of heartbreak and unrequited love, exploring the emotional turmoil of a one-sided relationship. ELENA’s heartfelt lyrics capture the struggle to overcome the pain of unreciprocated love and the determination to move forward. The song resonates with anyone who has experienced the frustration and confusion of a love that once thrived but now fades away.

With remarkable musical prowess and artistic maturity beyond her years, ELENA has crafted a masterpiece that surpasses conventional expectations. Through her innate talent and passion for music, she aims to make her mark as a rising star, offering a fresh and authentic romantic sound that will captivate audiences worldwide.

The single is accompanied by a captivating music video that transports viewers into an intimate and soulful performance by the artist before a passionate audience. The electrifying atmosphere brings each note to life, further showcasing ELENA’s ability to connect with her listeners on an emotional level. Directed by Francesca Izquierdo and Eduardo Dreyer, the video was shot in the Dominican Republic.

“No Quiero Amarte” is one of nine tracks featured on ELENA’s highly anticipated sophomore album, “Qué tú te crees?,” set to be available on all major streaming platforms on Thursday, July 11th. With this new release, ELENA is poised to solidify her position as a rising force in the Latin music scene.

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Chris Brown was left hanging — literally — after a technical glitch had him suspended in midair during his concert in Newark, New Jersey, on Wednesday night. 

In an X (Twitter) video posted by The Hollywood Reporter, Brown is shown singing his hit single, “Under the Influence” while hooked up to wires at the Prudential Center in Newark. At one point during the performance, Brown got stuck, hanging above the stage while continuing to sing the song.

After being suspended for some time, Brown seemingly shouts at the tour workers off-mic to help get him down. The “No Guidance” singer, 35, continues to sing throughout the entire ordeal, while background dancers perform below him. 

The tour workers bring a ladder to the stage before Brown climbs down, exchanging words with one of the workers before finishing his performance. Although he appeared angry during the incident, Brown later poked fun at the mishap. At the end of the two-hour show, he told audiences that he was upset but “made light of the situation,” according to The Hollywood Reporter. 

During his “11:11 Tour” show, Brown moves through the air from the main stage to a smaller one in the middle of the venue where he typically sings hit songs like “Take You Down” and “Wet the Bed.” He usually dances and sings upside down during this particular part of the concert. 

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Brown, who launched his tour last week, performed hit songs like “Go Crazy,” “No Guidance,” “Loyal,” “She Ain’t You,” “With You” and his 2005 debut single “Run It!” during his Wednesday show, THR reported. 

Arya Starr and Maeta are Brown’s opening acts on the tour. Next up, the “Look at Me Now” singer will perform two nights at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn before heading to Canada for shows in Toronto and Montreal. He will conclude his tour in Los Angeles in August with two shows at the Crypto.com Arena. 

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Peacock has unveiled the official trailer for its upcoming drama series, “Those About to Die.” Helmed by visionary director and executive producer Roland Emmerich (“Independence Day,” “The Day After Tomorrow”) and Academy Award-winning screenwriter Robert Rodat (“Saving Private Ryan”), the series promises a visceral and unforgiving look at the gladiatorial games of the Roman Empire.

In a statement, Emmerich expressed his longstanding fascination with the Roman era, drawing parallels between their entertainment and contemporary society. He promises to expose the “dark underbelly” of these spectacles, delving into the ruthless machinations that fueled the Roman populace’s bloodlust.

The series features a stellar cast, led by the esteemed two-time Academy Award winner Anthony Hopkins. While details surrounding his character remain undisclosed, Hopkins’ involvement guarantees a captivating performance.

“Those About to Die” transcends the realm of gladiatorial combat. The show boasts a diverse ensemble cast representing various corners of the Roman Empire. Their narratives are poised to converge within the brutal arena, weaving a complex tapestry of athletic competition, political intrigue, and the machinations of powerful dynasties.

History buffs and action aficionados can mark their calendars. All ten episodes of “Those About to Die” premiere on Peacock on July 18, 2024. The timing aligns perfectly for viewers seeking an epic historical drama to devour in the lead-up to the 2024 Paris Olympics, which Peacock will also stream live.

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The family of the late Gabby Petito, whose sudden disappearance and murder at the hands of her fiancé, Brian Laundrie, dominated headlines in 2021, will be the first to tell you all missing individuals in this country deserve that kind of attention.

They feel so strongly about this, in fact, they are lending their platform to the Black and Missing Foundation, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Relatives, and the National Domestic Violence Hotline to bolster their efforts.

“There’s a hierarchy when it comes to missing person fliers being shared,” Joe Petito, Gabby’s father, told People magazine. “Kids go first, then White women and then women of color.”

Joe said he was initially offended by the phrase “Missing White Woman Syndrome” when he heard it in reference to his daughter. However, he soon realized the inequity it brings attention to.

“We want to help all missing people,” Joe continued. “If the media doesn’t continue doing this for all the people then that’s a shame because it’s not just Gabby that deserved that.”

Via email, Natalie Wilson, co-founder of the Black and Missing Foundation, told theGrio that, from donating $15,000 in 2023 to currently leveraging their platform, The Gabby Petito Foundation has been “instrumental” in supporting their mission.

“Their ongoing support exemplifies a commitment to justice and equality, and together, we are forging a path to ensure that every missing person receives the attention and resources they deserve,” Wilson wrote.

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In a country where Black people make up roughly 13% of the population, they account for 35% of those missing. In 2022, almost 100,000 Black women were reported missing. Not only do Black women go missing at disproportionately high rates, their cases continue to receive less attention from law enforcement and the media.

Legislators around the country have been working to solve this. Last year, California became the first state to enact an “Ebony Alert” for when a Black woman goes missing, ensuring an immediate course of action is triggered in response, similar to a “Silver Alert” for the elderly or an “Amber Alert” for children.

Earlier this month, during CrimeCon 2024, Wilson said her organization moderated a panel that included Petito’s parents.

“This powerful discussion underscored the importance of raising awareness and fostering conversations about the disparities in how missing persons cases are handled across different communities,” Wilson added. 

Speaking more in-depth about the partnership with Petito’s family, Wilson said, “Our collaboration represents a unified voice in the fight to bring attention to the critical issue of missing persons of color, who are often overlooked by mainstream media and law enforcement.”

She continued, “Together, we aim to amplify our efforts and extend our reach to ensure that no one remains silent or forgotten.”

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Prime Video is preparing for liftoff with their new space-age comedy “Space Cadet,” starring everyone’s favorite rom-com queen Emma Roberts. Directed and written by Liz W. Garcia (known for her work on “Purple Hearts” and “The Sinner”), the film promises a hilarious and heartwarming journey that’s set to premiere on the streaming service this Independence Day, July 4th.

“Space Cadet” centers around Tiffany “Rex” Simpson (Roberts), a dreamer whose sights are set on the stars. Stuck in a less-than-ideal situation, Rex makes a bold decision to take a chance and apply for NASA’s prestigious astronaut training program. With a little help and some creative embellishment from her best friend Nadine (Poppy Liu), Rex finds herself unexpectedly thrust into a highly competitive group of elite candidates.

Out of her depth but brimming with determination, Rex must rely on her quick wit, unwavering moxie, and can-do spirit to navigate the program’s rigorous challenges. Supervising this group of hopeful astronauts are the no-nonsense program directors Pam (played by the ever-fabulous Gabrielle Union) and Logan (Tom Hopper). As Rex progresses through the training, a crucial question hangs in the air: will she be able to overcome the odds, earn her coveted spot among the stars, and all the while keep her little secret about her embellished application under wraps?

“Space Cadet” promises to be much more than just a laugh-out-loud comedy. It’s a story about self-discovery, the power of believing in yourself, and the courage to chase your dreams no matter how far-fetched they may seem. The film boasts a stellar supporting cast alongside Roberts and Liu, including seasoned actors like Gabrielle Union and Tom Hopper, along with rising stars like Kuhoo Verma and Desi Lydic. With a dash of romance (thanks to the presence of Colombian pop star Sebastián Yatra) and a healthy dose of humor, “Space Cadet” is shaping up to be a must-watch for anyone who has ever dared to dream big.

So, mark your calendars, set a reminder, and get ready to blast off into laughter with Emma Roberts and the crew of “Space Cadet” this July 4th on Prime Video!

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