Great African-American Biopics

Don't miss Mary J. Blige tonight on 106!

Angela Bassett and Mary J. Blige in Betty & Coretta (2013) - The two venerable stars were perfectly cast as civil rights sisters Coretta Scott King (Bassett) and Betty Shabazz (Blige) in this television movie. Though they only met once in reality, King and Shabazz were both as influential on the civil rights movement as their husbands were.   (Photo: Courtesy of the Sanitsky Company)

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Betty & Coretta - Betty & Coretta will tell the story of the relationship and bond that Betty Shabazz and Coretta Scott King shared as the wives of civil rights leaders Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. respectively. Angela Bassett has already played Betty Shabazz in 1992's Spike Lee Joint, Malcolm X, so it'll be interesting to see how she takes on Coretta Scott King. It'll also be amazing to see Mary J. Blige show off her acting chops. Don't miss Mary J. Blige tonight on 106 at 6P/5C to discuss the biopic and let you know what to expect. (Photo: Sanitsky Company)

Cadillac Records (2008)  - In this film based on the story of Chess Records, Beyoncé continued her streak of heavy-hitting film roles. Here, she tackled a portrayal of heroin-addicted R&B pioneer Etta James. (Photo: Courtesy Sony Music Film)

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Cadillac Records - Cadillac Records follows music during the time of "race records" and when Etta James (played by Beyonce) was making it to the top while struggling with her demons in the form of substance abuse. It's a raw depiction of the industry and worth the watch. (Photo: Sony Pictures)

Notorious, Saturday at 2P/1C - Get a chance to see why we will always love Big Poppa.(Photo: Fox Searchlight Pictures)

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Notorious - The life and legacy of the Notorious B.I.G. has been discussed and debated since his death over a decade ago. In 2009, the Diddy-approved movie, Notorious hit theaters to show the softer side of Christopher Wallace. If you want to see him rise from the bottom to the top, this is the movie for you. (Photo: Fox Searchlight Pictures)

(Photo: 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks)

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Malcolm X - In the role that should have won Denzel Washington the Oscar for Best Lead Actor, Malcolm X is a movie that vividly tells the story of the Islamic civil rights leader. Spike Lee told Malcolm's story from his poor upbringing, facing racism early, a life of hustling, being incarcerated to turning his life around and trying to lead the Black community is a positive direction. (Photo: 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks)

Pursuit of Happyness Premieres, Thursday at 9P/8C - Will Smith stars in the movie based on the life of Christopher Gardener.   Take a look at Will Smith's amazing career in film. (Photo: Columbia Pictures)

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 The Pursuit of Happyness - In one of Jaden Smith's first roles he played opposite of his father Will Smith in The Pursuit of Happyness. The movie told the amazing tale of Chris Gardner and his rise from homelessness to becoming a millionaire. (Photo: Courtesy Columbia Pictures)

Photo By Photo: Courtesy Columbia Pictures

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Ray (2004) - Actor and comedian Jamie Foxx was adamant on proving to the world that he was much more than Hollywood's funny guy, and he was successful by making an impact in the Ray Charles biopic, Ray. Playing a blind musician with such infinite soul is not easy for any actor, but Foxx made it seem effortless and the Academy seemed to agree. His performance earned him the coveted Oscar for Best Actor.(Photo: Universal Pictures)

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Ray - Ray allowed Jamie Foxx to bring Ray Charles life and legacy to the masses, but it also allowed the actor to display his music prowess. Ray showed Ray Charles journey from childhood to his life as an international superstar and every obstacle that he faced and overcame including get over a serious heroin addiction. (Photo: Universal Pictures)

Photo By Photo: Universal Pictures

What's love got to do with it. Angela Bassett Laurence Fishburne (Photo: Touchtone Pictures)

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What's Love Got To Do With It - Betty & Coretta star Angela Bassett is no stranger to biopics and starred in Malcolm X and she also played the lead role of Tina Turner in the biopic What's Love Got To Do With It. Angela brought Tina Turner to life onscreen bringing her choreography and raw emotion to the big screen like the master she is. (Photo: Touchtone Pictures)

Ali (Photo: Columbia Pictures)

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Ali - Will Smith got into the best shape of his life to play the champion, Muhammad Ali in the biopic Ali. Besides studying tons of Ali's film, Will took on the role and played the champ to a T which included him getting his ears pinned back during filming to look more like the man himself.  (Photo: Peter Brandt/Getty Images)

The Express - Ernie Davis is one of the greatest football players to ever grace the gridiron. Ernie was a star football player at Syracuse University and one of the first Black winners of the 1961 Heisman trophy. Unfortunately, this No. 1, first round draft pick never played in a professional game because he came down with lukemia. The Express shows the rise and life of the Elmira native from childhood until his untimely death.   (Photo: Relativity Media)

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The Express - Ernie Davis is one of the greatest football players to ever grace the gridiron. Ernie was a star football player at Syracuse University and one of the first Black winners of the 1961 Heisman trophy. Unfortunately, this No. 1, first round draft pick never played in a professional game because he came down with lukemia. The Express shows the rise and life of the Elmira native from childhood until his untimely death. (Photo: Relativity Media)

Antwone Fisher - The biopic Antwone Fisher explores the life of Antwone Fisher, who is a gentleman that came up in a few foster families and had been abused mentally, physically and sexually. His disturbing past came to light while he was in the Navy and luckily he received the psychological help that he needed and went on to be a successful writer and producer.   (Photo: Fox Searchlight Pictures)

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Antwone Fisher - The biopic Antwone Fisher explores the life of Antwone Fisher, who is a gentleman that came up in a few foster families and had been abused mentally, physically and sexually. His disturbing past came to light while he was in the Navy and luckily he received the psychological help that he needed and went on to be a successful writer and producer. (Photo: Fox Searchlight Pictures)