Murjani Rawls

New Jersey, New York

Senior Writer and Editor at Substream Magazine

Editor, Journalist and Photographer at Freelance

culture & food reporter @njdotcom & @starledger / chief tv/film critic @substream / ex: @dknetwork / @theroot | member: @criticschoice @wgaeast

Articles

Fans furious after losing discounted lawn pass at PNC Bank Arts Center for 2025

1 week ago | nj.com | Murjani Rawls

If you are looking to spend the entirety of the summer on the lawn at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, consider saving up (at least for the moment). The Live Nation Lawn Pass, also known as the “Lawnie Pass,” introduced in 2021, has been discontinued, effective this concert season. The $239 pass previously allowed full access to the amphitheater’s spring and summer concerts in the GA lawn section — a decent deal if you’re a regular show-goer.
'The Ugly Stepsister' Twists Up 'Cinderella' In All It's Grisly Glory

1 week ago | substreammagazine.com | Murjani Rawls

If you think about it, “Cinderella” is already ripe for a horror adaptation. Wicked stepmothers, cruel stepsisters, a daughter pushed to a life of servitude, a giant pumpkin that turns into a carriage, and (gasp) a curfew. People immediately think of the 1950 animated adaptation of this fairy tale, where a fairy godmother and animals conspire together to help our protagonist meet her Prince Charming.
The Who's drummer ‘shocked and saddened’ over being fired after 30 years

1 week ago | nj.com | Murjani Rawls

It didn’t take long for drummer Zak Starkey to release a statement giving his side of the story on his reported firing from The Who. On Wednesday, the band announced they were parting ways with Starkey in what they called “a collective decision to part ways” after a round of shows at the Royal Albert Hall in a statement to The Guardian.
‘I never ever touched my parents,’ says daughter of late Marvel legend accused of elder abuse

1 week ago | nj.com | Murjani Rawls

J.C. Lee, daughter of the late illustrious Marvel architect and creative Stan Lee is hitting back against claims she committed elder abuse against her late father and mother Joan. Stan Lee died at the age of 95 due to cardiac arrest. The allegations first arose in an extensive piece in The Hollywood Reporter back in 2018.
'Sinners' Is Ryan Coogler's Intelligent and Complicated Symphony

1 week ago | substreammagazine.com | Murjani Rawls

Ryan Coogler’s fifth film, “Sinners,” has much to say within a world that seeks to muffle or erase the inspiration behind its hardest lessons. The film contains elements of a horror subgenre that is resigned chiefly to sticking to its conventional folklore as its guiding light. What could vampirism, the Jim Crow South of the 1930s, the origins of blues music, and the enduring foundation of Black history despite the forces conspiring against it have in common? A lot.
Spiritbox unleashes ‘Tsunami Sea’ of sound and fury at blazing N.J. concert | Review

1 week ago | nj.com | Murjani Rawls

“‘Tsunami Sea’ is about the fear of being inadequate,” Spiritbox’s lead singer, Courtney LaPlante told her sold-out crowd in Montclair Tuesday night. “But you don’t make us feel inadequate. We never take this for granted.” Those words of gratitude, extended from one of heavy metal’s hottest acts, stems from a long road of a struggle. There was a time when the dynamic Canadian group’s future was uncertain.
Disney film banned from Middle Eastern country over Israeli actress co-starring

1 week ago | nj.com | Murjani Rawls

Disney’s “Snow White” is now banned from being shown in Lebanon due to its inclusion of Gal Gadot, according to Variety. The directive was issued by Lebanon’s Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar at the recommendation of the country’s film and media watchdog. This comes on the heels of a report from Al Jazeera that 71 civilians were killed in Lebanon by Israeli forces since a cease-fire was reached in November.
Avenged Sevenfold's singer does not care what people think of his band’s latest album

1 week ago | nj.com | Murjani Rawls

Vocalist M. Shadows is aware of the varying opinions on Avenged Sevenfold’s latest album, “Life Is But A Dream….” (2023), but is taking them in stride. In an interview with Rock Feed, Shadows spoke about the band’s conversation with Linkin Park bassist Dave “Phoenix” Farrell about the album’s perception and if Shadows would put any weight of opinions towards it. The vocalist explained what he felt the purpose of making the album was.
Judas Priest's ex-drummer dead at 73, band writes touching tribute

1 week ago | silive.com | Murjani Rawls

Former Judas Priest drummer Les Binks has passed away. He was 73. News of Binks’ passing was shared on the band’s Instagram account on Monday. No cause of death was given, although it was noted the drummer passed “peacefully at hospital in London.”“We are deeply saddened about the passing of Les and send our love to his family, friends, and fans,” Judas Priest wrote. “The acclaimed drumming he provided was first class — demonstrating his unique techniques, flair, style, and precision.
Legendary metal band’s drummer dead at 73, band writes touching tribute

1 week ago | nj.com | Murjani Rawls

Former Judas Priest drummer Les Binks has passed away. He was 73. News of Binks’ passing was shared on the band’s Instagram account on Monday. No cause of death was given, although it was noted the drummer passed “peacefully at hospital in London.”“We are deeply saddened about the passing of Les and send our love to his family, friends, and fans,” Judas Priest wrote. “The acclaimed drumming he provided was first class — demonstrating his unique techniques, flair, style, and precision.