Baby Boy, 2021
Tyrese’s portrayal of Jody, the overaged son living up in his mother’s home, was a powerful look into the pseudo-adulthood that some Black men experience — growing up in the hood. They become their mother’s boyfriends and not their sons. In addition to living off his mom, having no job, the film explored Jody and his relationships with two different women.
This John Singleton film touched the hearts and the nerves of plenty in the community who flocked to the theaters to see it. Its cast also was a “Who’s Who” of new jacks — now considered Black Hollywood royalty. Tyrese is now Mr. Transformer and Fast N Furious. Taraji P. Henson has built an empire being Cookie Lyon’s on FOX. Adrienne-Joi “AJ” Johnson, a Delta from Spelman College, is now a life coach to the stars. Snoop Dogg, Omar Gooding, Ving Rhames and Mo’Nique, all blessed the screen making it an enjoyable classic.