Remember “Cole,” the not-so-bright best friend of “Martin” on the 90’s sitcom, Martin? He’s also known as “Cockroach” from The Cosby Show too. His Martin character was actually the dumbest dude ever…LOL, but he was FUNNY! On Martin, “Tommy” was the one who always had a “mysterious job” that nobody ever knew about, but in REAL LIFE, it actor, Carl Payne (“Cole”) was actually the one with the mysterious job that everyone eventually found out about, and the cool thing is that he was not trying to hide it. After the fame of Martin faded, Carl began to venture out and do things that he’d never done before. One of those things was working a regular 9 to 5 job for the very first time, to take care of his and we respect that wholeheartedly.

From “Cole” To Car Salesman, Watch Video

FYI: Carl is no longer a car salesman, but back in 2011, he’d become one after his “Martin” sitcom fame. When video surfaced, of him as a Honda car salesman a while back, fans were surprised by the thought of “Cole” selling cars. Now that the initial shock of his reality is over, Carl Payne eventually spoke out about his time as a car salesman and why he did it. He said: “It started out as research for a role and then I kept doing it and I like it. I got a family man, you know and there’s no shame in taking care of your family.”

Check out TMZ’s footage of Carl on his job at the car lot a few years ago. We don’t necessarily like the way TMZ presented their story and tried to almost poke fun at the man for earning an honest living. HOWEVER, the way Carl responded to them with class and dignity is applause worthy, so here it is…

Carl Payne Explains How He Ended Up Working As Car Salesman…And Beef He Had With Martin Lawrence

In the below video, Carl explained, in detail, how he ended up working as a car salesman, after having such huge commercial success on Martin. By the way, if you watch the video until the end, you’ll see Carl reveal exactly why he and Martin Lawrence hated each other in real life and often argued on set…who would’ve thought, right?

Much Respect To Carl Payne!

We give Carl Payne a big hand clap for being such a humble brotha, as well as for man’ing up to do what he needed to do at that time to take care of himself and his family. There’s nothing wrong with being a car salesman and once you actually get past the fact that he was once a big time sitcom actor, you realize that he had a good job that a lot of people wouldn’t mind having right about now. As far as the ongoing tension he had with Martin Lawrence, all we can say is WOW! They did a helluva job covering that up! Thankfully they’re in a better space now. Carl Payne is now a producer and/or writer for several stage productions, internet shows, and TV shows. As mentioned earlier, he’s no longer working at the car dealership. Keep doing your thang Carl!

The post After “Martin” Success, ‘Cole’ Stunned Many With ‘Regular’ Job He Worked To Pay Bills appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

We could never forget “Bruh-Man” from the 5th Flo'” on the Martin Show. The way he used to climb through Martin’s and Gina’s window to fix himself a “breh-fuss sammich” and then would tell Martin “Yo Moms in my apaaatment” always stole the show and had us crackin’ up nonstop. We were having a 90’s flashback session here at ILoveOldSchoolMusic, and there’s no way we could talk about 90s sitcoms, without talking about “Bruh-Man”, the character that was played by actor/comedian, Reginald Ballard. Check out what he’s been up to below…

What Bruh-Man Is Doing Now

Recently Reginald Ballard has been heavily active on the stand up comedy circuit and has been touring across the country and he recently starred in a theatrical stage play about late singer, Gerald Levert’s life (which also starred Eddie Levert and singers, Monifah and Alyson Williams) called “Baby Hold On To Me.” Another gig that had folks talking in was Reginald’s feature in rapper, Big Sean’s, video, which was a rap parody of the Martin TV sitcom. Check him out in that video below (Graphic language):

Reginald actually revealed, in an interview with Laff House TV, that he initially didn’t want to be a comedian, but that it was comedian, J. Anthony Brown, who sparked that comic itch in him when he asked Reginald to introduce the comedians for a show at a Houston, TX comedy club J. Anthony owned.

Prior to making a name for himself on Martin, Reginald had roles in other TV shows and films, such as Class Act (starring Kid N’ Play), the TV show, True Colors, and he was even in Menace 2 Society. Can you imagine “Bruh-Man” rolling with “O-Dog” and “Caine”? I can’t either, but he was and he did his thing.

Reginald revealed that his favorite “Bruh-Man” episode was an episode that was like a real life heartfelt message he was giving to Martin when Martin was “going through some things” in his personal life that the public didn’t know about at the time. All of the cast and staff knew that Martin was going through some struggles though and a message Reginald gave him through his character while he and Martin were filming a scene really hit home for Martin. Here is what Reginald said about that:

“My favorite ‘Bruh-Man’ episode…it really wasn’t that much acting…it’s when I had the dream of the sandwiches and uh…when we walked, when I was leaving out I said [to Martin] ‘Hey man, you need to get you some rest man you look beat down,’ and we really had a moment right there because that’s when Martin was going through some things. And the producers were like ‘Yo, say man, it look like you really was telling him (Martin) you know, he need to slow down.’ And he (Martin) looked at me, he was like “yeah, yeah…” and that was like a real catching type moment.”

https://youtu.be/GM68QcYoZ20?t=26s

A Few More Facts We Learned About Reginald a.k.a. “Bruh-Man”:

– “Bruh-Man” is a family man in real life…
“Bruh-Man” is a married man also, Reginald’s been with his wife for 27 years…

Reginald Ballard has two adult children- a son and a daughter.

-Reginald was a football player all throughout high school in Galveston, TX and he earned a full scholarship to play linebacker at Southern Methodist University, where he majored in theatre and then he transferred to the University of Missouri and continued to act and play football.

It’s always a beautiful thing to see entertainers from back in the day still grinding and doing what they love. Reginald is a good example of that and we can’t wait to see where his acting and comedic skills take him next.

Comment on our Facebook page and engage in discussions from the Old School!

The post Wonder Where ‘Bruh-Man From The 5th Flo’ Is Now? Found Him…And His Beautiful Daughter appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

Remember “Sheneneh’s” ratchet friend, “Laquita?” She was “Sheneneh’s” ride or die friend at the beauty salon on one of our favorite shows, Martin. Although she was only in four of the many ‘Martin’ episodes, she made a lasting impression on us. We only need to say, “Sheneneh’s” friend, and you know who we’re talking about…right?

She Lives A Very Private Lifestyle:

Her name is Simbi Khali, born down south in Jackson, Mississippi and now she’s 45 years old living a pretty low-key lifestyle. After the “Martin” show, she did a few appearances on “3rd Rock from the Sun” and “The Bernie Mac Show.”

Ohhh, She Was Married To THIS Actor?!!:

One thing that was a surprise to use here at ILOSM, is that she was married to a very popular 90s actor. We all know his face, but we never knew his name. His name is Cress Williams, and we know him mostly as being the boyfriend of Queen Latifah’s character on “Living Single”.

He and Simbi Khali were married from 2000-2011. They didn’t have any kids during the marriage, but it seems the marriage ended privately and amicably. Cress Williams has been extra hot on the TV drama scene, as a recurring role as “Cole Guthrie” on the HBO series, “Code Black.”

Cress is also the main character in “Black Lightning,” a drama pilot from Greg Berlanti, who’s also responsible for the “Being Mary Jane” duo of Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil.

Seems that Cress is now married to an actress that seems totally different than his first wife, Simbi. We have the details of his new wife. Scroll down for the scoop…

Cress Williams’ New Wife & Why People Are Surprised…

According to the LATimes, Cress Williams has tied the knot in 2013 with Kristen Torrianni.

“The wedding was an intimate affair on the beach, with the bride’s and groom’s parents and Cress’ daughter in attendance,” Williams’ rep said. “After getting married in Kauai, they stayed and honeymooned there for nine more days.”

LATimes reports that he met his new wife in 2006, while still married to Simbi! They met at the church they attended, and became closer friends when they started hosting a weekly dinner party together.

Seems that Cress has a broad taste in women. We’re all for diversifying, but many of Cress’ Black female fans have expressed disappointment solely because his current wife is not Black, and others are wondering how his taste in women suddenly became so diverse…

What most people don’t know is that Cress Williams was born in Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, to American parents. The way race is viewed here in America, is oftentimes different in other countries- with less racial barriers. So could that be the case for Cress Williams? Maybe…and also maybe not. That’s an answer only he can give.

We hate to see that he and actress, Simbi Khali, had to end their 11 year marriage, but sometimes, such is life. Wishing Cress and his wife, Kristen, all the best. Also can’t wait to see Simbi Khali back on the screen again, her talent is much too underrated.

The post “Sheneneh’s Friend” Married ‘Scooter’ From “Living Single” In Real Life & Fans Are Stunned appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

Carl Payne -best known as “Cole” on Martin and as “Cockroach” on The Cosby Show– has dropped a few interesting unknown facts about what went down behind the scenes between himself, Bill Cosby, and Malcolm Jamal Warner.

Carl Was Almost “Theo”?!!
In an interview with Comedy Hype, Carl revealed he was THIS close to jackin’ the “Theo” role from Malcolm Jamal Warner. During the final round of auditions, several known actors were in the building. He says Sheryl Lee Ralph auditioned for the “Claire Huxtable” role and Jaleel White (“Urkel” from Family Matters) almost became “Rudy” (which was originally scripted for a boy). Carl says that he, Malcolm, and a dude with a Jheri curl named, ‘Sugar,’ were the final three up for the role of the “Huxtable’s” son, “Theo.”

His Severe Pain After Losing “Theo” Role To Malcolm…

Embed from Getty Images

Carl Payne: “I’ll never forget that day…when one of [Cosby’s] assistants came out to tell everybody who got the role. I was sitting next to Malcolm…and I just knew I had did a great job and they was gon’ say ‘You’ (he points to himself). And they looked at me and pointed at him. … It was like I got punched in the stomach by Floyd Mayweather…”

What Bill Cosby Did Next Caught Carl Payne By Surprise>>>

The post Carl Payne’s Last Convo With Bill Cosby “Wasn’t A Good One” & He Tells Secret About Cosby Show appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

If you’re a fan of Martin, you know Garrett Morris’ character — Stan Winters — was an integral addition to the show. But as seasons progressed, he disappeared…and doesn’t know why.

According to Jasmine Brand, Morris’ end on Martin might have happened quite abruptly — to say the least. Even while Garrett Morris was in a particularly troubled situation, allegedly there was no sympathy for the actor.

Remember When ‘Stan’ Was Hospitalized?…

Well, it really happened. According to the source, in 1994, Garrett Morris was robbed in real-life. During the robbery, he was shot and hospitalized.

NOTE: This happened during Martin‘s second season. Did you ever notice how you saw less of “Stan”?

Supposedly, they tried to make the situation work. However, Morris ended up missing several episodes of the show due to his injuries.

“So while he was recovering in the hospital, he shot a few scenes to tie up his storyline with the reason being that Stan was about to undergo plastic surgery to escape the IRS,” Jasmine Brand mentions.

Likewise, in season three, he made one more appearance on the show before totally disappearing. But why would he phase out like that?

It Happened While In The Hospital…

If you thought it was wild that Ice Cube’s “Craig” got fired on his day off, imagine actually getting fired while recovering from a gunshot wound. This is what Garrett Morris says happened to him.

The actor — in an exclusive with Netflix‘s Strong Black Lead, a show geared toward shining examples in the Black community — says Martin Lawrence didn’t do the things he told reporters regarding his incident.

According to Morris, Martin said he was by Garrett’s bedside in tears. Yet, the actor basically says Lawrence is stretching. The source quotes Morris as follows.

“The man who produced ‘Martin’ was basically Martin Lawrence. After I had no bad words with him, still to this day, I do not understand why he decided to fire me. While I was in Daniel Freeman Hospital.”

“Not only did he fire me when I was in the hospital itself, but then went around telling people in interviews that he came and sat by my bed and cried and stuff like that,” Garrett Morris continues.

The source also notes that publications have reached out to Martin for a comment on Morris’ statements. However, the pending Bad Boys for Life actor hasn’t responded.

If you’re interested in the full interview, check the video below.

All in all, let us know your thoughts about Garrett’s firing from the Martin. If you have any comments, feel free to share them via our Facebook page.

The post Garrett Morris, ‘Stan’ Still Confused Over Why Martin Lawrence Fired Him appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

Why They’re Being Accused Of Bankruptcy Scam

Apparently, Tisha and Duane are now being accused of owing a lump sum of money, by the trustee of their Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing:

Via TheBlast: According to documents obtained by The Blast, the trustee of the Martins’ Chapter 7 bankruptcy says in 2016 a settlement was reached that required Tisha to turn over all her acting residuals paid from after their initial bankruptcy filing. She was also given an option to buy back her residual rights for $125,000.

Gottlieb says he was going over the books this month, because the bankruptcy remained active, and claims the Martin’s improperly diverted all Tisha’s residuals from after the bankruptcy filing, totaling $50,000.

He says that last year the Martins said they wanted to buy back Tisha’s residual rights, but shortly after handing over a check for $125,000 they allegedly claimed it should be used to satisfy the remaining residual payments. … Gottlieb accuses the couple of trying to do a “bait-and-switch” and says it was in bad faith. Now he wants both Duane and Tisha sanctioned and is requesting that the judge order that all the residual income is paid to the estate.

Divorce Filing

‘We were all rooting for you!’ is what many fans were shouting when they first heard news that Tisha and Duane were going their separate ways. In February of this year (2018), the Martins shocked everybody, with their seemingly sudden divorce announcement. It was disappointing to many, because for so long, they’ve been a beautiful representation of Black love in the media. They even looked like they were headed in the same direction as Duane’s best friend, Will Smith, and Smith’s wife/actress, Jada- who will be hitting their 21st anniversary this year. Unfortunately though, after 20 years of marriage, Tisha revealed that she’d filed for divorce. There goes our hopes of them reaching Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee levels *sigh*.

The Martins amicably released a joint statement via People:

“After 27 years of being together and two amazing children, it pains me to announce that I’ve filed for divorce,” Tisha, 49, said in the statement. “It’s an emotional time and I graciously ask for privacy for me, our children and the rest of our family,” she shared. Tisha, who cited irreconcilable differences in her divorce filing, has requested joint legal and physical custody of their children, the documents state. She has also requested that Duane pay her spousal support.

Random Good News

https://www.instagram.com/p/BgMb9LbFX4b/

The random good news is that Tisha Campbell-Martin has FINALLY squashed her reported decades-long beef with former co-star, Martin Lawrence. In February 2018, Tisha and Martin were publicly spotted together for the first time in over 20 years! They had their co-star/friend, Tichina Arnold, with them too.

The “Martin” trio were stopped by paparazzi, as they were coming out of Morton’s Steakhouse, looking hella happy to be reunited. It was a beautiful thing to see, because they had big smiles on their faces- smiles so big, that it looked like they were hiding pertinent information. That led the camerawoman to ask them about the “Martin Show” reboot rumors we’ve been hearing lately and their answers have fans even more excited. Check out what they revealed in the video below…

At least the “Martin” reboot talk (and of course her and Duane’s children), gives Tisha something to smile about in the midst of lawsuits, divorce proceedings, and heartbreak. It’s also great the Martins are keeping their divorce peaceful…wishing them the best.

The post Weeks After Divorce Filing, Tisha Campbell & Duane Martin Now Accused Of Bankruptcy Scam appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

Tisha Campbell- Martin and Duane Martin were one of Hollywood’s most-loved couples. The soon-to-be-divorced couple  were married for 21 years, which is a very long time in the regular world…and damn near like a miracle in the entertainment game. The Martins have 2 sons, Xen and Ezekiel, and when we saw more recent pics of them, we were reminded of just how Old School we really are.

Their Painful Revelation & Triumph About Their Youngest Son

They’re sons are growing up at lightening speed, but parenting their babies didn’t come without a few hurdles along the way. Tisha and Duane have had their fair share of challenges. Although they’re now divorcing, many of the challenges they faced as Mr. and Mrs. could cause some marriages to dissolve far sooner than the 21 years they actually were able to make it last. However, the adversities that the Martins faced made their love for one another that much stronger for a long while.

In 1996, they jumped the broom and then had their son, Xen, in August of 2001. Xen was deemed autistic by doctors as an infant. In a prior interview with Essence magazine, Tisha revealed that she noticed something was different about her child after he received a Hepatitis B shot. According to Tisha, she believes that the shot attributed to her son being autistic.

“Right after [Xen] got the Hepatitis B shot; I noticed a difference the second day of life. There was just something different and I kept telling everyone who walked in the room, ‘Something is up with this baby’ and they kept saying no you’re a new mom. The same exact thing happened with my nephew. He started having seizures and autistic-like symptoms. I asked if he’d gotten the Hepatitis B shot and they said yes. I couldn’t say anything. So when you asked me do I think [vaccinations] can attribute to autism, I think it might have something to do with it, because of what I’ve seen from my particular family,” Tisha Campbell-Martin revealed to Essence.

In speaking with Essence Magazine, Tisha shared the importance of spreading awareness about the disorder and helping to promote acceptance of children with autism. She teamed up with four other mothers of autistic children in 2011 to produce a short film, called Colored My Mind, which was screened at the MegaFest International Faith and Film Festival. Campbell-Martin also published a children’s book called My Brother Doesn’t Want to Play to help children cope with having a sibling who is “different.” While Xen has made great progress as a child with autism, the road was rough. Tisha told Essence that detecting autism early in a child is important and can mean the difference between him or her thriving in society or simply passing along.

“Xen was non-verbal [when he was younger], explained the star. He would flap his arms and rock back and forth. He’s never been…in a special needs class because I wanted him to model after typical kids and now he’s a typical kid. He has a girlfriend and he is now speaking; you can’t shut him up. He says, ‘I used to be autistic and don’t be telling my girlfriend I used to be autistic either.’ So I’m blessed because we were able to catch it early.”

All Grown Up Now

Tisha with her and Duane’s son, Ezekial:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXJuL34DY87/

Tisha and Duane were regularly seen as a couple on BET’s Real Husbands of Hollywood. In addition to that, the estranged couple runs their fine dining restaurant in L.A. named after their first born, also called Xen.

Duane with his and Tisha’s sons, Ezekial (standing) and Xen (seated):

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXqGgnQDxbG/

The post Tisha Campbell & Husband, Duane Martin’s, Sons Ain’t Babies Anymore, Must See appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

ILOSM fam’ remember the kid actor, Marcus T. Paulk? You may not know him by name but if you know anything about 90s sitcoms, you definitely know his face.

‘Martin’ Loves The Kids:

Paulk had a hilarious guest role on Martin Lawrence’s sitcom, Martin. Paulk played the role of Martin’s long lost son and he was perfect for the role- he had major swag as a kid and he had the ‘Martin ears’ and features that bared a striking resemblance to Lawrence’s. Young Paulk even did a helluva job depicting some of Lawrence’s mannerisms. He cracked us up on the show and it was a shock to viewers that he was NOT ‘Martin Payne’s’ son.

Everybody Say ‘Moesha!’

After starring on Martin, Paulk landed a recurring role on the hit show, Moesha, where he played ‘Myles Mitchell,’ the younger brother of singer/actress Brandy’s character, ‘Moesha.’ Fans were able to laugh with Paulk as we watched him mature and grow for six seasons.
It’s been awhile since we’ve seen Marcus Paulk on the television screen, but that hasn’t stopped fans from wondering about what he’s been up to. Things are a lot different for the man who used to be the cool kid on TV, he’s still cool, but has a few different careers these days…and the ladies seem to love him…

WAIT TIL YOU SEE HIM NOW AT 31

This is actor, Marcus Paulk, today. He’s 31 years old now and has his hands in q few career pots so to speak. Check out his different careers nowadays…

Marcus Owns A Modeling Agency:

Marcus Paulk has his own modeling agency called Model Mafia. The company is based in Los Angeles and it is comprised of photographers, film and music video producers, models, actors, and more. Paulk collaborated with a woman named Queen Sheba and they promise to provide top notch services.

He Raps

Not only does Paulk have a modeling agency but he is also a musician. Paulk discussed on Instagram that his new single, My Time Is Money, is available on Itunes for purchasing. In addition, Paulk starred in a movie alongside Amber Rose called Sister Code. Paulk produced music for the soundtrack as well.

He is Still Acting!

While Paulk may dabble in different things, he still hasn’t strayed away too far from his first love: acting. He recently shared a photo of himself and reality star, Masika, on the set of the film his starring in titled, “Bomb Pizza.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bho7Rlglu5s/

In 2017, he also shared a photo of himself alongside Laurence Fishburne where he promoted the new audio scripted drama Bronzeville. Bronzeville is the brainchild of actors Larenz Tate and Laurence Fishburne. Set in the 1920’s, the drama explores how African-Americans migrated from the South to the North to build a life for themselves is Chicago. It’s unclear if Paulk is acting or if he’s behind the scenes.

After the departure of Moesha, Paulk had a few hiccups as he transitioned from child star, into adulthood. He’s had a couple legal issues in recent years: In 2015 he pled guilty to a misdemeanor DUI after an altercation at a Super Bowl party; and in 2013 he was charged with domestic violence against his girlfriend in which he plead no contest to one count of battery. However, Marcus Paulk seems to be on the straight and narrow path these days because there have been no reports that he’s been arrested since. It’s good to see him acting again and venturing into other career fields. We wish him the best on his continued journey toward becoming a better version of himself each day…he seems to have learned from his mistakes.

The post Time Flies: This “Moesha” Actor Is Now 31, With A Very Different Career appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

She Lives A Very Private Lifestyle:

[kkjwplayer id=”mloxBLoH-AsHO0UdD”]

Her name is Simbi Khali, born down south in Jackson, Mississippi and now she’s 45 years old living a pretty low-key lifestyle. After the “Martin” show, she did a few appearances on “3rd Rock from the Sun” and “The Bernie Mac Show.”

Ohhh, She Was Married To THIS Actor?!!:

One thing that was a surprise to use here at ILOSM, is that she was married to a very popular 90s actor. We all know his face, but we never knew his name. His name is Cress Williams, and we know him mostly as being the boyfriend of Queen Latifah’s character on “Living Single”.

He and Simbi Khali were married from 2000-2011. They didn’t have any kids during the marriage, but it seems the marriage ended privately and amicably. Cress Williams has been extra hot on the TV drama scene, as a recurring role as “Cole Guthrie” on the HBO series, “Code Black.”

Cress is also the main character in “Black Lightning,” a drama pilot from Greg Berlanti, who’s also responsible for the “Being Mary Jane” duo of Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil.

Seems that Cress is now married to an actress that seems totally different than his first wife, Simbi. We have the details of his new wife. Scroll down for the scoop…

Cress Williams’ New Wife & Why People Are Surprised…

According to the LATimes, Cress Williams has tied the knot in 2013 with Kristen Torrianni.

“The wedding was an intimate affair on the beach, with the bride’s and groom’s parents and Cress’ daughter in attendance,” Williams’ rep said. “After getting married in Kauai, they stayed and honeymooned there for nine more days.”

LATimes reports that he met his new wife in 2006, while still married to Simbi! They met at the church they attended, and became closer friends when they started hosting a weekly dinner party together.

Seems that Cress has a broad taste in women. We’re all for diversifying, but many of Cress’ Black female fans have expressed disappointment solely because his current wife is not Black, and others are wondering how his taste in women suddenly became so diverse…

What most people don’t know is that Cress Williams was born in Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, to American parents. The way race is viewed here in America, is oftentimes different in other countries- with less racial barriers. So could that be the case for Cress Williams? Maybe…and also maybe not. That’s an answer only he can give.

We hate to see that he and actress, Simbi Khali, had to end their 11 year marriage, but sometimes, such is life. Wishing Cress and his wife, Kristen, all the best. Also can’t wait to see Simbi Khali back on the screen again, her talent is much too underrated.

The post “Sheneneh’s Friend” Married A 90s Actor, But Many Are Stunned By His New Wife appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

[kkgallery kid=”3161″ title=”Ever Wondered What Happened To “Myra” From The ‘Martin’ Show? Found Her!!”]

The post Ever Wondered What Happened To “Myra” From ‘Martin’ TV Show? Found Her! appeared first on I Love Old School Music.