February 3, 2025 - In the evolving landscape of streaming entertainment, Starting Over Blues has emerged as a standout drama, captivating audiences with its raw emotion and gripping storytelling. Written and directed by the visionary Niki Frazier-Curry, this compelling film is now streaming on Tubi and has garnered significant attention, securing nominations and official selections in prestigious film festivals.

A Stellar Cast Delivering Powerful Performances

A film’s strength lies in its cast, and Starting Over Blues boasts an ensemble of remarkable talent. Leading the charge is Taylen Washington (A Naughty Christmas Story, Seeds, Life of an Alpha Male, Nun Nancy), alongside Miami Millz (Trending Hip Hop Artist/Naked Hustle AllBLK Network), Tercola Durham (Stripped from Insanity, Trapped, Thanksgiving Roast, Dark Zero 48), and Tyree Grimes (Night Haul, A Naughty Christmas Story, Black Thunder). Supporting performances from Zoryah Nomak, Chaka Balamani, Patricia Renderos, and Paul C. Jerry adds further depth to this emotionally charged narrative.

A Story of Redemption and Betrayal

At its core, Starting Over Blues explores themes of redemption, betrayal, and the far-reaching consequences of past actions. The film follows Melvin, a former drug dealer striving to rebuild his life after serving time in prison. With his wife Jasmine’s unwavering support, he works to overcome societal barriers and carve out a better future for himself and his family.

In contrast, Kirk, a charismatic but deceitful man, is entangled in a web of lies—maintaining a marriage while expecting a child with his mistress, Charlene. As Kirk’s duplicity unravels, tensions escalate, leading to dramatic confrontations, violent conflicts, and a shocking climax that threatens to undo Melvin’s hard-earned redemption. The film masterfully weaves these intertwined narratives, delivering an emotionally charged journey that keeps viewers engaged until the very end.

Critical Acclaim and Festival Recognition

Since its release, Starting Over Blues has earned widespread recognition on the festival circuit. It was a finalist at the 2024 Prince Georges Film Festival (Narrative Feature category) and received nominations for Best Narrative Feature at both the 2024 Atlanta Cinema Awards and the 2024 Chicago Indie Film Awards. Additionally, it was officially selected for the 2024 Miami Women Film Festival (Best Indie Film) and the 2024 New York Independent Cinema Awards (Best Independent Film), further cementing its status as a must-see drama.

Niki Frazier-Curry: A Filmmaker to Watch

At the helm of this cinematic success is Niki Frazier-Curry, a powerhouse filmmaker and creative force at Iconek Films. A Washington, DC native, Niki’s storytelling roots began in journalism, writing for Elan Extreme Magazine, Ya’Heard Magazine, and Mad Flavor TV. Since transitioning to film in 2014, she has built an impressive portfolio, including Blade: Existence (Best Action Sequence, 2018 Urban Action Showcase), Mine This Christmas, Black Slasher(Tubi), and Thanksgiving Roast (Amazon Prime/Tubi). Starting Over Blues is yet another testament to her ability to craft thought-provoking, emotionally resonant narratives.

Why You Should Watch Starting Over Blues

With its gripping performances, intricate storytelling, and emotional depth, Starting Over Blues is a film that lingers in the minds of viewers long after the credits roll. A must-watch for drama enthusiasts, it offers an unforgettable cinematic experience filled with powerful character arcs and thought-provoking themes.

Watch Starting Over Blues Now on Tubi

Don’t miss out on this electrifying film—now available for streaming on Tubi.

Watch Now: Starting Over Blues on Tubi

Watch the Official Trailer: YouTube

Stay Connected

Follow Director Niki Frazier-Curry on Instagram for updates: @Niki4words

LOS ANGELES, CA, July 24, 2024- Just when you thought reality TV couldn’t get any bolder, here comes a scintillating new program that’s as raw and real as it can possibly get! Prepare for the July 29th premiere, where the esteemed director/producer Shylise Simpson, alongside co-producers Sederick Campbell, Helecia Choyce, and Donald Carter, will introduce you to The Ratchet Room, where nothing is scripted, and everything happens in unforgettable, spontaneous real time. Series creator Shylise Simpson has brought together six motivated female contestants, living together in this titular house, where they are vying for entrée into the music industry. As they face daunting, dynamic challenges navigating life in The Ratchet Room, these ladies showcase their boundless energy and emerging talents in fierce competition with each other. Of course, it’s not always smooth sailing, amidst their efforts to compose dope music and move ahead. Drama inevitably ensues, with explosive arguments, heated rivalries, and even some memorably poignant moments, in exactly the way real life unfolds.

Along the way, the young competitors are guided on this journey by celebrity guest mentors, and notable judges from the music industry, as they overcome both personal and professional obstacles, letting their unbridled passion for music carry them all the way to the top! It’s definitely a must-watch experience, as your host, Tayf3rd, joined by co-hosts Breezy Blonco and Mr. Fliii Bentley, take your screen to a whole new plane of reality! The music world will be forever changed, and nothing is off the table in The Ratchet Room! Buckle up, for the wildest thrill ride in the history of reality television, courtesy of UGG TV Productions. You can sign up today to stream The Ratchet Room via Roku at the UGG-TV website, where hip-hop TV, new films, and original series live 24/7.

About the Director:Shylise Simpson is a television producer, director, and creator, known for founding the former site Undergroundgirlsofhiphop.com and Power In Pink 501c, among other ventures. Motivated by her dedication to empowering women in hip hop, she used her personal funds to initiate the first "Female Hip Hop Honors Awards" in May 2010. The first ceremony honored hip hop legends and Grammy Award winner Queen Pen, rapper/actress Lady of Rage, and rap artist/actress/Golden Globe nominee Kimberly Rivers Roberts. Following the event's success and the support from female hip hop artists, the second annual Female Hip Hop Honors Awards took place in May 2011, honoring hip hop legend Roxanne Shante, female hip hop artist Shawnna, rap artist/humanitarian Suga-T, and R&B songstress Michel'le. The third Female Hip Hop Honors saw even more celebrities participating than before, with artists such as Oaktown's 357, JJ Fad, Adina Howard, Medusa, Grammy Award nomineeCharli Baltimore, Lifetime's The Rap Game Young Lyric, and the legendary Sparky D showing their support for the movement.

Shylise Simpson went on to promote herself through acting as a main character on the hit series "The Nest", and also did a national Quicken Loans commercial. Currently she has the brand UGGTV Zone with original film projects on her platform like The Ratchet Room, The Story Behind the Pen (Queen Pen), Love The Ladies of the West, She Got Barz Battle League, Social Net Stories: Millionaire Son and The Letts (which is also available on Tubi).

The Host:
Tayf3rd (pronounced Tay-ehf-Third) is an urban, underground hip-hop artist hailing from the same Southern California city renowned for birthing gangsta rap legends like Warren G, Snoop Dogg, and DPG. A native of Long Beach, California, he rose to prominence with tracks such as "I Smoke, I Drink, I Jerk," creating music that resonates with the jerk dance movement. Although from Southern California, Tayf3rd brings a totally different flavor to West Coast Hip Hop with a unique style of his own which is like no other.

NEW STANDOUT DRAMA; “STARTING OVER BLUES”, NOW AVAILABLE ON TUBI…