Beyond the Gates: New soap opera well received

When I heard Roberta Flack had passed, my brain immediately went to the songs this American singer and pianist had made that we loved, "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," "Killing Me Softly with His Song," and "Feel Like Makin' Love." Along with hit duets, including "Where Is the Love" and "The Closer I Get to You" with Donnie Hathaway (1970s), "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love" with Peabo Bryson (1980s), and "Set the Night to Music" with Maxi Priest (1990s).

- Yanina Carter Entertainment Editor

Across her decades-long career, she warmed the hearts of many with her love ballads. The music world has lost a voice like no other — Roberta Flack, who passed at the age of 88.

Following her death was the death of neo-soul singer Angie Stone, who was an American singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer. She rose to fame with the single "No More Rain (In This Cloud)."

Stone ventured into acting in the 2000s, making her film debut in the 2002 comedy film "The Hot Chicks" and her stage in the Broadway musical "Chicago."

She went on to appear in supporting roles in films and television series, as well as several musical productions.

In 2024, she was a featured vocalist on Damon Little's "No Stressing," which peaked at #1 on the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart. She was 63 when she passed.

Another film that folks are questioning is the release of "Blade 4," which was said to be in production... well shelved. The movie in which Wesley Snipes was the vampire who was a day walker, something all vampires aspire to be. The franchise produced three films.