Though it still doesn’t have an official title, the sketch comedy series produced by Jamie Foxx and starring Affion Crockett is inching closer to its debut.

FOX has announced that the untitled project between the comedians will offer a sneak preview on March 31 after an episode of American Idol.

And a few months after that, the show will premiere in its regular time slot on Thursday, June 9 at 9:00 ET/PT.

The hour-long sketch series is said to follow in the tradition of In Living Color, offering comedic takes on pop culture, music videos, film, TV, and celebrities.

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Last year, FOX announced that it had ordered a pilot for a comedy sketch show produced by Jamie Foxx and featuring Affion Crockett.

Those of us who appreciate shows like In Living Color and The Dave Chappelle Show were excited about the prospect of black humor getting another chance to shine on a major television project.
That is, until word got out that FOX didn’t pick it up for fall. However, all hope doesn’t seem to be lost now. Seems FOX has had a change of heart – at least for midseason.

Via Deadline Hollywood:

Fox is prepping a sketch comedy series for midseason from Oscar winner and In Living Color alum Jamie Foxx. The network has handed out a 12-episode order to the half-hour comedy, tentatively titled The Jamie Foxx Project. Foxx, Fox TV Studios and producers Eric and Kim Tannenbaum were behind a sketch comedy pilot for Fox this past development cycle. I hear the new project will be different and the original pilot won’t be used. Rising sketch comedian and actor Affion Crockett (The Boondocks), who co-starred in the pilot, will star on the series and also serve as a producer. One of the pilot’s co-writers, Carl Jones (The Boondocks) also will stay on as writer/co-executive producer.

In the vein of Fox’s 1990s sketch/variety series In Living Color, which gave Foxx his break, The Jamie Foxx Project will take on pop culture, spoofing movie trailers, commercials, TV shows, music videos and celebrities, with a diverse cast of young new comedians.

Good because FOX’s programming was looking paler than Lindsay Lohan’s mug shot.

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Jamie Foxx looks to push forward with plans to have a slew of programming on TV.

First there was the sketch comedy pilot that Fox ultimately passed on (boo), then came word about a drama with TNT, and now there seems to be yet another drama on the table.

According to Deadline Hollywood Daily, Jamie’s filming a pilot via a private investor and once it’s ready he will shop to various cable networks.

Here are the details:

Jamie Foxx is getting entrepreneurial with a new drama TV project. I hear the Oscar winner over the past two weeks shot a trailer for a potential drama series entitled Tommy’s Little Girl. Selma Blair and Paul Sorvino star in the trailer for the project, which is based on an idea by Foxx. It revolves around several older mobster guys, played by Sorvino, Sopranos alum Tony Sirico and James Russo, and centers on Sorvino’s relationship with his daughter, played by Blair. Foxx is currently editing the trailer for the project, which is being financed by a private investor. When ready, it will be taken out to the top cable networks. Foxx has been focusing on TV producing lately.

With that theme and those names I can easily see this being picked up on television. It sounds interesting and I’m open to checking it out but here’s to hoping Jamie gets another chance at producing a sketch comedy show. That void needs to be filled.

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Simon Cowell bid farewell to American Idol but the million dollar question is: Who will replace him? People have tossed around names like Diddy, Jamie Foxx and even Bret Michaels, but it’s all just speculation. However, despite not knowing who will feel the void, we can take solace in knowing who WON’T be stepping in for Cowell! Here’s a list of, er, interesting individuals who won’t be seeing Idol judge-ship ever.

George W. Bush

Given his track record for asinine quotes, he’d probably be great for TV when it comes to his feedback. But the problem is, his attention span will  check out faster than a rehab patient.

Kat Stacks

The Miami based groupie has made a name for herself online by spreading sordid tales of her affairs with various celebrities. One of her specialties is trash talking rappers’ music and she also claims to have a book deal and a reality TV show in the works, however, we doubt that she’ll transcend beyond her internet “celebrity” status. It also doesn’t help that she speaks incoherent English (and probably any other language, for that matter).

Kanye West

He won’t let performers finish.

Flavor Flav

His catch phrases would probably be cool and he has proven to have surprisingly good musical insight, but can anyone take a viking hat giant clock wearing 50-something-year-old man seriously as a judge for anything beyond a contest at a child’s birthday party?

Tila Tequila

Just listen to her awful remake of Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song,” then…cue the crickets.

Jamie Foxx is heading back to American Idol to play the role of mentor to the four remaining contestants on the still highly popular musical competition.

Last year Foxx served as a mentor to Season 8’s top 5 through their “Rat Pack” themed week and now he’ll be mentoring Lee DeWyze, Crystal Bowersox, Michael Lynche and Casey James on “hit songs from the movies.”

Foxx’s return to Idol has helped bring back rumors that he just might be joining the show on a more permanent level.

According to Black Media Scoop, an exec at Fox is one of the top choices to replace Simon Cowell.

As much humor and insight Jamie would obviously bring to the show, it’s really hard to see how they keep this going without two of their most popular judges. Or maybe the show is so big now it can withstand any one personality no matter how infamous it may be?

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There has been a huge void in the urban sketch comedy arena since Chapelle’s Show went off the air. However, OG Jamie Foxx is ready to get back in the game. Fox network picked up an urban flavored sketch comedy pilot from the Oscar winning actor.

The untitled project is executive produced by Foxx and In Living Color writers and MadTV creators Fax Bahr and Adam Small. Wild ‘N Out alum Affion Crockett is attached as one of the stars.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the pilot is the result of merging two projects. Foxx was looking to do a sketch-comedy series with an urban twist and paired with Bahr and Small to pitch the idea to Fox. Separately, Sony TV-based Tantamount was working on a sketch-comedy project starring Crockett, known for his spoofs of Russell Simmons, Chris Brown, Drake and more.

After hearing both pitches, Fox Entertainment president Kevin Reilly proposed merging the projects.

It’s about time we got a new show like this on air—and from people who are actually funny. There are no more details about when it will premiere but in the meantime, let’s look at some throwback In Living Color and imagine the possibilities:

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It was only a matter of time before another judge would depart American Idol after Paula Abdul’s exit and as we know, Simon Cowell is the latest who will soon be saying his goodbyes. The question is, who will replace him?

After eight years, and despite efforts to keep him on the show, Cowell announced at the Television Critics Association press tour earlier this month, that this would be his last season.

But the question remains: Who will replace him?

People have been throwing names out but one major name that keeps coming up is Jamie Foxx.

A show insider tells Life & Style magazine that the Academy Award-winning actor/singer is a strong contender for the job, as is Interscope Records co-founder Jimmy Iovine, who is credited with launching Eminem’s career, among others.

Jimmy Iovine makes more sense than Jamie Foxx because executives tend to be harsher critics (you know how it goes with those who can’t do…). So if they want that Simon Cowell-style, mean tell-it-like-it is element back, then that’s the way to go. Plus, Ellen DeGeneres is already the resident comedian—not that there isn’t room for two, but both are strong personalities and really funny so it might be comedy overkill.

However, Jamie Foxx would give good feedback and insight since he’s a very talented and experienced artist. And he does actually tell it like it is—but via jokes so his bubbly personality might be a nice deviation from Simon’s wryness.

I’m still on the fence though. What do you think? Would Jamie Foxx be a good judge?

P.S. If Jamie Foxx does become the new judge, I wonder if that will give folks who can’t sing an excuse to blame it on the alcohol.

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Stores across America that sell Halloween paraphernalia are impossibly crowded at this point. And if you live in a major city like I do, fugeddabout it. But don’t fret. The best way to celebrate Halloween (for those interested in dressing up) is by keeping it simple, easy and cheap. Here are some suggestions for last minute Halloween costumes inspired by iconic TV characters. Ninety percent of these ensembles probably already exist in your closet.

Tyrone Biggums
Dave Chappelle immortalized this character in his funny racy sketch comedy show. Prior to Tyrone Biggums, Pooky (from New Jack City) was the world’s most famous crackhead. As far as a costume goes, all you need is a red scully, baby powder for your lips, a navy blue hoody, a neutral colored blazer, neutral colored pants and white sneakers. Crack is optional but not suggested (drugs are bad).

Wanda

We met Wanda, the infamous Ugly Woman, on In Living Color and were scared to death when she snapped her fingers proclaiming to unsuspecting prey that she would “rock their world.” What you need: Tacky curly blonde wig, red lipstick, pearls and a poofy dress. Make sure to purse your lips to the extreme.

Jerome

Jerome can definitely be in the house this Hallows Eve! You need a gaudy suit from the 70s, preferably by MCM (see if you can borrow one from your Uncle), a Jheri Curl wig, goatee and a fake gold tooth (if all else fails, you can use the gold foil from mini Reese’s Pieces).

Shenehneh

This one is relatively simple if you still have (or know anyone who has) 90s gear locked in a closet somewhere. Get some doorknockers (they sell them for a dollar at the beauty supply store) and a wig styled in an extreme hair-do (think the movie BAPS).

Steve Urkel

The nerdy glasses trend is really annoying but since they’re in style these days, you may already have this part of your costume down. For the rest of it you will need high-water mom-jeans, white socks, skippies, suspenders and a striped polo. Make sure you perfect your snort as well.

Fire Marshall Bill

Get a black suit and tie, white button down, black rain boots (to substitute for the fireman boots), and a captain’s hat and you’re all set. If you can do the Popeye thing with your teeth and face, then it’s Fire Marshal Bill for the win!

Martin Lawrence and Jamie Foxx have made us laugh throughout the years with various zany characters, but none have stood out more than Lawrence’s Sheneneh, and Foxx’s Wanda. Ever wonder who would win in a fight? Let’s see:

Wanda

MO: Wanda  was a painfully ugly woman who wore a tacky curly blonde wig, and had greasy overly pursed lips, whose sole motivation in life was to find a man.

Style: Prone to wearing bright animal print and neon feather boas.

Career: Wanda always worked a different job but whether she was really employed by said businesses was questionable because her mission was always to seduce an unsuspecting male patron, but it often seemed more like she snuck into whatever establishment she was in at the time. If she was actually employed by these businesses, it obviously didn’t last long.

Social Circle: Wanda was a loner.

Catch Phrase(s): “I’ll Rock Your World,” and “Heeeeeey!” ”

Attitude: Wanda was oblivious to when men were trying to run away from her, but she gets points for her confidence. However, whenever she felt disrespected, she didn’t hesitate to tell someone off and could often be spotted spinning a windmill.

Getting the guy: She never got the guy.

Sheneneh

MO: Sheneneh wasn’t easy on the eyes, but she wasn’t as hard to look at as Wanda. Her primary goal was to make Pam and Gina’s lives miserable.

Style: She was all about the 90s around-the-way girl glam. She wore dookie braids, big gold jewelry, long bright nails and a fanny pack.

Career: Sheneneh was ghetto, but she owned a business, which was a beauty salon. She even hooked Gina’s hair up for her wedding.
Social Circle: Sheneneh’s best buds were Keylolo and Laquita.

Catch Phrase(s): “Oh my goodness,” and “No You Didn’t!”

Attitude: Sheneneh never held her tongue. She put everyone in their place whenever it was necessary but despite her constant bickering with Gina and Pam, she occasionally had their backs.

Getting the Guy: She had a man. It was her jailbird boo Lafonz.

Results: Sheneneh wins the Best Character Award. What do you think? Did I leave out any details?

I’m not saying this out of personal bias, but there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be watching the BET Awards this Sunday.

But, some of ya’ll out there are stubborn, but no worries, I’m going to do my best to convince you to do what you should be doing anyway.

Below are my top ten reasons why you need to be watching the 2009 BET Awards.

1. What else do you have to do? Most people with melanin will be watching the awards. Don’t have cable? “Borrow” from your neighbor or invite yourself over. Do whatever it is you need to do to watch the show.

Disclaimer: I am kidding about stealing cable. I have no bail money for you.

2. Jamie Foxx is hosting. No offense to the strange man from across the pond who hosted last year’s VMAs, but I’ll take Wanda any day over him. Already Jamie has promised his opening monologue will take it back to his days at Def Comedy Jam. Get ready to laugh.

3. Beyonce will be there. Perhaps it’s the stan in me, but I’ve noticed the better editions of the BET Awards have featured Queen Bey shaking her lace front on stage. Be excited.

4. Two words: Halllleeeeee Berrrrrry. If you are from the South or at least not a hater of the southern dance movement, get ready to break out your hand and dance like you’re having an aneurysm because Hurricane Chris will be performing “Halle Berry (She Fine).”

5. Maxwell is performing. Maxwell killed last year, and it’s been so long since we’ve had an R&B vocalist who doesn’t sing in a way that reminds you of Rosie from The Jetsons.

6. Soulja Boy is performing. Now, this doesn’t necessarily tickle my fancy, but I understand he’s all the rage at the playground, so get ready to turn your swag on as the MC Hammer remix takes the stage.

7. Mary Mary are booked to get their praise on during the show. Amen and all that.

8. The O’Jays are being honored for their musical achievements. You know you want to see your mama and ‘nem (yes ‘nem) cut up.

9. Because I said you should watch it. I think I have pretty good judgment. You should trust me.

10. The Michael Jackson tribute. As sad as it is to find out that the King of Pop is now moonwalking in heaven, BET has announced that there will be a tribute for the fallen icon at the beginning of the show. You don’t want to miss the surprises lined up.