Terrence J Leaves E! News To Pursue Big Dream -- Watch The Trailer To His First Project As A Producer
In the words of Steve Harvey, "Your career is what you're paid for. Your calling is what you're made for." And with that said, Mr. Terrence "J" Jenkins, is humbly on to the next!
Last month while everyone was announcing their 2016 plans, former BET host turned E! News correspondent, Terrence J, had a "new year, new moves" announcement too-- he was ditching his gig as a media personality to pursue acting and production full time!
The announcement came as somewhat of a shock to fans, who felt as though Terrence was already successfully balancing both roles; not only did he star in the Steve Harvey productions Think Like a Man and Think Like a Man Too, he was also on our TV screens as our favorite E! News host weekly. Needless to say, the man who once couch-surfed his way onto that "106 and Park" stage was collecting checks and setting the standard for other dream chasers.
However, back in December, Terrence J took his final walk across that E! News room to confirm his departure from the series, while going over his history as a host:
"I started hosting when I was 16 years old back in North Carolina, and I've been now on national television for over 10 years. "Seventeen years [in total], that's a long time, and I think in order for someone to grow it's important that you try new things and you create new challenges, create new dreams for yourself."
Terrence also went on to discuss his new movie, The Perfect Match, which, unlike his past projects, he not only starrs in, but also helped produce!
Terrence J and Draya on the Set of 'The Perfect Match'
"I took some time off this summer and I produced and I starred in my first feature film, and I'm really excited about it and it's coming out at the top of the year. It's called The Perfect Match. I knew I would have to leave to go on a promo run for that...I've had a lot of opportunities come in in the acting space, both behind the camera and in front of the camera. And so, with all of that said, I wanted to announce today that I'll be leaving E! News."
Ok young Harvey!
Now a month later, striking the iron while it's hot (can't stop, won't stop!), Terrence has kept true to his consistent hustler's ambition and released the official trailer for The Perfect Match. The Perfect Match is a romantic comedy centered around Terrence's character "Charlie," a ritz, raunchy Hollywood agent and bachelor who also narrates the film. Charlie makes a bet with his close friends that he will court a woman and find a date (not a fling) in time to bring to his best friend's wedding. According to the synopsis:
"Charlie (Terrence) who is doubtful of love and relationships, even after his sister (Paula Patton) tries to tell him otherwise. He then takes on a bet with his friends, testing his success on finding one woman and dating her for a month without falling in love. All seems smooth until he meets a woman named Eva (Cassie) who throws him off his game..."
It's safe to say, Charlie is the exact-polar opposite of "Michael," Terrence's marriage-ready, sweet mama's boy character from the Think Like a Man franchise.
The Queen Latifah Flavor Unit executive-produced film snagged an all-star cast which not only boasts the likes of Lauren London, Cassie, Dascha Polanco (OITNB) and Donald Faison, but also includes both Terrence J and Hit the Floor’s Rob Riley, who will serve as producers alongside director Billie Woodruff. Cameos will include Brandy, Robin Givens, French Montana and Draya. This should be interesting!
Sometimes it is difficult to let go of what you know to pursue what you don't. Hosting was once Terrence's "in" to Hollywood, and a solid guaranteed gig for years. Although he has had success with acting and managed to do both jobs as a media personality and entertainer for years, sometimes spreading yourself thin can have long-lasting effects on both the work you produce and your mental and physical health. Cheers to Terrence for taking a leap of faith and focusing his energy in one thing, in an effort to produce his absolute best work.
Onwards and upwards!
Check out the full trailer below. The Perfect Match hits theaters March 11.
A modest goddess who keeps it humble between mumbles. I'm a journalism graduate with a HERstory in digital media, print and radio. Roll the credits: Power 96, VH1, xoNecole, EBONY, SOHH. Deemed "Top 20 Women in Media" by Power 105. Bronx made me, Broward raised me.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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It was early spring 2023 when Joey Bada$ pulled up for a chat with us on love and relationships courtesy of our Dana Blair-hosted "xoMan Live." There, he clarified that though we felt the sizzling chemistry between him and singer/actress Serayah radiating off our screens in the music video for his single, "Show Me" and rumors were swirling of a possible romance, that they were just friends.
"We got a pretty cool friendship, and I think she’s gorgeous. I think she’s talented," Joey shared with xoNecole at the time. He would later dead the rumors even further by announcing his relationship status, "I'm single." But he'd leave the door open for the possibility of a thing, adding, "Things could happen."
Joey Badass Clarifies His Relationship With SerayahYouTube
Since then, things have indeed been happening between Joey and Serayah, who was previously romantically linked to Jacob Latimore, as their "just friends" status has seemingly blossomed into something more. The love they imitated in the name of art proves to be much more beautiful in real life. "I’m staying ready, so I don’t gotta get ready if that makes sense, you know what I mean," he shared in our interview about feeling "ready" for a relationship. "I don’t want to say that it’s anything I’m looking for, like I understand the way the law of attraction works."
These days, the look of love is undeniable and we are here for this couple showcasing their deep affinity for one another out loud whenever possible. Keep reading for a brief timeline of the love between Serayah McNeill and Joey Bada$$.
June 2023: Joey Bada$$ Flies Serayah Out for an Epic Birthday Trip
In what is regarded as their first hard launch as a couple, Joey took to Instagram to share a compilation of short videos they took while boo'd up on a birthday trip for Serayah's 28th in a tropical paradise. After previous denials of a romance, the Raising Kanan actor confirmed their relationship by captioning the post, "happy birthday my love."
A little over a week later, Serayah dropped her own version of a hard launch in a series of photos on IG showcasing some BTS moments of her and Joey.
August 2023: Joey Bada$$ Shouts Out Serayah For National GF Day
We stan! Joey took National Girlfriend Day as an opportunity to show love for Serayah, sharing on Instagram Story a series of never-before-seen photos and videos of some of the couple doing and enjoying life together.
January 2024: Serayah and Joey Celebrate His Birthday In St. Lucia
Birthday trips seem to be a welcomed tradition for this couple as they spent Joey's 29th birthday in paradise where they effectively brought the sand to the beach. "Celebrating you is something I'll always love to do," Serayah captioned her Instagram post to Joey and their tropical escape. Joey left in a comment of appreciation, "Aquemini," it read in a nod to the Outkast album, as well as the couple's sun signs.
September 2023: Joey and Serayah Pop Out at New York Fashion Week
Shareif Ziyadat/Getty Images
From New York Fashion Week to international trips to Tokyo for Joey's shows, September 2023 proved to be a booked and busy month for the Flutter vocalist and the "Passports & Suitcases" artist. Joey shared a carousel of highlights of street-style moments in their matching outfits for the fashion event with the caption, "NYFW FESTIVITIES."
Serayah posted some Tokyo memories to her IG that didn't skimp on the Black love, writing, "tokyo was a dream."
February 2024: Serayah and Joey Take Fashion Week
This year, Serayah gave a BTS look at her time during February's New York Fashion Week, and of course, boyfriend Joey Bada$$ was there to show love and support.
February 2024: Serayah Teases The Arrival of New Heat with Throwbacks Of Her and Joey
What better way to announce the debut of your latest EP of R&B-meets-rap influences than to drop archives of your own relationship mirroring those same influences? ARCHIVES is out now.
March 2024: Serayah McNeill and Joey Bada$$ Attend ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood
Monica Schipper/Getty Images
Serayah was a vision in gold as she graced the red carpet of the 2024 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards Ceremony arm in arm with rapper beau Joey Bada$$. In February, Joey professed his forever love for Black women in "A Love Letter To Black Women," in partnership with Bumble. The "Fallin'" rapper began in the video, "I don’t think I tell you this enough, but you are so sacred to me."
"Just know you got my heart. The only one I’m coming home to. See, I been in my heart and mind, trying to find the right woman and they say that love is blind, but you looking right to me," later adding, "Please never forget how truly blessed you are. I’ll cater to your visions and be there while I’m growing your purpose. Real love is our language. And a Black woman is a blessing in my life."
March 2024: Joey Bada$$ Responds to Viral Video of Him and Serayah Arguing
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
In March, a viral video of the couple arguing and Serayah crying made rounds all over the internet and sparked speculation that Joey and Serayah had broken up. To squash the rumors, Joey assured inquiring minds that everything is good over here by posting a series of photos of the two of them loved up and enjoying a night out on the town, captioning it, "People all in our business they don’t even know the facts, they don’t see the shit we witness only what the cameras catch."
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Featured image by Robin L Marshall/Getty Images for ESSENCE