Love Songs (1999, TV Movie)

"Love Songs" (1999) is a made-for-television drama aired on Showtime. It stars Andre Braugher, Robert Townsend, and Louis Gossett Jr., who each directed a film segment. Charles Fullers wrote three segments called "A Love Song for Champ" (directed by Gossett Jr.), "A Love Song for Jean and Ellis" (directed by Townsend), and "A Love Song for Dad" (directed by Braugher).

Directors: Andre Braugher, Robert Townsend, Louis Gossett Jr.

Writer: Charles Fullers

Starring Robert Townsend, Rachael Crawford, Carl Gordon, Djanet Sears, Don Dickinson, Michael Anthony Rawlins, Andre Braugher, Lynn Whitfield, Brent Jennings, Louis Gossett Jr., Sandra Caldwell, Dulé Hill, Kim Brockington, Phillip Jarrett, Johnie Chase, Ed Wheeler, Alison Sealy-Smith

Storyline

Louis Gossett, Jr, Robert Townsend, and Andre Braugher come together to each direct a short story, all interconnected through themes of love and family. Set in the same predominantly black neighborhood in North Philadelphia, these three compelling tales tell the stories of an up-and-coming heavyweight boxer, a vegetable vendor, and a man who must protect a family member from the abuse of another.

Phat Beach (1996)

"Phat Beach" (1996) is a comedy directed by Doug Ellin. Ellin also co-wrote the film with Cleveland O'Neal III, Brian E. O'Neal, and Ben Morris, which stars Jermaine Hopkins and Brian Hooks, featuring Coolio with a cameo appearance. The movie was successful at the box office, grossing over $1.3 million on a $100,000 budget. The film's soundtrack was primarily hip-hop and R&B, reaching number 40 on the Top R&B Albums chart. Producers marketed the film as the first hip-hop beach movie; it may be the only one ever, considering how one defines a hip-hop beach movie.

Director: Doug Ellin
Writers: Cleveland O'Neal III, Brian E. O'Neal, Ben Morris, Doug Ellin

Starring Jermaine Hopkins, Brian Hooks, Coolio, Claudia Kaleem, Alma Collins, Eric Fleeks, Candice Merideth, Sabrina De Pina, Jennifer Lucienne, Gregg Vance, Tom Lister Jr.

Storyline
Benny King (Jermaine Hopkins) is a self-conscious individual who struggles to gain respect from his family. His friend Durrel Jackson (Brian Hooks) is a fast-talking suave who can't help but focus on chasing women. When King's parents leave for vacation, Durrel convinces King to quit his summer job and head to the beach. However, King is infatuated with the sultry and curvaceous Candace (Claudia Kaleem) as he daydreams about them together. His pursuit of Claudia blinds him to another girl who is genuinely interested in him.