Chris Stokes Blog

This post is on more of a personal nature. The events over the past few days have had an enormous effect on me and how I view life. Especially when it comes to the time spent and given to my family. I’ve been in this business for a long time and in reflecting upon my time in it I’ve realized that there were times that I sacrificed time with my family in order to do the next thing in my career. Now while at the time it seemed like the right thing to do being that I was working towards bettering things for my family, I now realize that that life could have made a totally different decision for me. Being older now, more mature and more wise coupled with the emotions I have felt over these last few days makes more so grateful to be able to be here still and have the opportunity to rededicate my time to the things that matter most to me in my life.

Having said that I want to focus specifically on my relationship with my daughter Chrissy. I’m so proud of her and the woman she’s become. She found her path in her spirituality, got married to a great guy and gave the cutest grandson a guy could ask for. He’s my first grandson by the way!!! She’s my best friend. With the bond that I was able to posthumously witness between the late Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna has not only taught me to ever so grateful for the relationship that I have with my daughter but to also make any and every moment that I have with my daughter count.

So…..Chrissy I Love You and I will always be here for you. Let’s make every minute that we spend together count and better our love and our lives. You’re my best friend! #girldad

These were the other victims of the helicopter crash that killed Kobe and Gianna Bryant. John Altobelli, a baseball coach, his wife, and their teenage daughter. Christina Mauser, a girl’s basketball coach. Sarah Chester and her daughter Payton. Plus the pilot, Ara Zobayan.

Nine people — including NBA legend Kobe Bryant, 41, and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna “Gigi” Bryant — were killed Sunday when a helicopter crashed amid foggy conditions in Calabasas, California.

The victims were on their way from Orange County to a girls basketball game at Bryant’s Mamba Sports Academy. We are continuously praying for the families of all those involved during this terrible time.

Update: Sources have confirmed that among the passengers was Bryant’s 13 year old daughter Gianna.

Kobe Bryant, the celebrated and relentless shooting guard who guided the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA championships over a 20-year career, died in a helicopter crash Sunday morning, according to multiple news reports.

TMZ first reported Bryant, 41, was one of five people killed when a helicopter crashed into a hillside above Calabasas, Calif.  The Los Angeles Times reported that the crash ignited a brush fire, impeding the ability of firefighters and emergency personnel to reach the aircraft.

Bryant spent his entire 20-year career with the franchise, winning three consecutive championships from 2000-02 and back-to-back in 2009-10. He retired in 2016 as the NBA’s third all-time leading scorer with 33,643 points.

Bryant is survived by his wife, Vanessa and three daughters: Natalia, Bianka and Capri. Our prayers and condolences are with them.

We will have more on this story as it develops.

As the new year approaches, I just want everyone to remember that anything that you want you can have. Just be focused, disciplined and keep your faith in God strong and you will be able to achieve your goals. Move in positivity and love. There’s nothing that can stop you!

#ChrisStokes #ChrisStokesWords

#Sacrifice starring @PaulaPattonOfficial Streaming Now! Exclusively on @betplus you may ask HOW do I log on to @betplus ? Go to the App store NOW! On your iPhone, iPad or Android, go to the search bar and type in BET plus, and it will come up. Sign up, you get the first week free, and watch Sacrifice, the new orignal movie soon to be a series. If you don’t already have your subscription, now is the time to get it!!! Watch with your family today. Easy to sign up. @footagefilmsstudios brings you #Sacrifice, from the writer director and creator, Chris Stokes @chrisstokes1969. 

Also starring 

@theericaash

@jordynwoods

@iamerica_mena

@marqueshouston

@juanantonio

@iamregrob

@vbozeman

@aceb47

@nelsonbx13

@jamestrevenabrown

@firecracker008

@josue.r.gutierrez

@actliketaejackson

@willie_taylor

A @footagefilmsstudios production produced by @cityofrome @iamjuanitastokes

#Sacrifice

#SacrificeTheMovie

#SacrificeFilm

#Sacrificeonbetplus

@betplus 

Stream now! And tell me if you want to see more! 

Last night in Los Angeles, BET+ held a premiere for their Original Movie “Sacrifice”. The movie stars Paula Patton and Erica Ash. It also stars Jordyn Woods, Erica Mena and Marques Houston. All of the stars and BET executives lined up for their first look at the movie, which is written and directed by Chris Stokes.

All the stars from the movie showed up for the event in West Los Angeles. Also in attendance were Model/Actor Jeremy Meeks, Dorien Wilson and Obba Babatunde.

Sacrifice premieres December 19th on BET+.

The comic actor was known for starring in the cult Friday franchise as well as his long stint on The Wayans Bros. and The Tracy Morgan Show.

Witherspoon’s son John David shared an emotional post on Twitter on his father’s passing, along with photos of the two from his childhood to recent years. “So…my Dad died today & honestly I’m not sure how to feel. I’m sad, but I’m also happy 4 all the great times we had together. We’d roast each other like homies more than Father & Son, and I really liked that. He was my best friend & my idol. Love U Dad…I’ll miss u.”

Judd Apatow remembered Witherspoon as “Pure funny. Hilarious and always kind. John Witherspoon will be missed” on Twitter.

Arsenio Hall shared on Twitter, “This day began with such joy. And it’s ending with this heart wrenching news of John Witherspoon’s passing. One of our comic brothers.”

Questlove also paid tribute to Witherspoon with a post on Instagram. “John Witherspoon resonated with every last one of us because he represented someone in our family: embarrassing us at gatherings (Boomerang), misrepresenting our generations heroes (“Public Enema”?!), making a jingle about pretty much everything (Grandpa on Boondocks), the neighborhood wino (black Jesus—-or better yet Hollywood Shuffle)—-the list is endless. Bar none my favorite working/blue collar actor,” he captioned a photo of the late actor. “History should tell it well, all the greats utilized him on their project for the last 45 years (Richard Pryor Show/Whats Happening!/Good Times/WKRP/227/Martin/Amen/Fresh Prince/Wayans Bros/Living Single/Boondocks/First Family/blackish/Black Jesus)—-he will forever be our pop pops. RIP.”

1. Chris Stokes Has Been In The Entertainment Industry For Over 30 Years

Chris started working in the music business when he was 18 years old.  Since then he has discovered, worked with and shaped the careers of some of the most famous people in the Entertainment Industry.

2. Chris Stokes Has 4 Siblings

Chris has always been a family man by nature.  He has 4 brothers and sisters.  Chris is the second to the youngest child.  They all grew up together in Los Angeles.

3. Chris Stokes Has Acted In Two Of His Own Movies

Although Chris loves to spend his time behind the camera, he’s also graced the screen by being in front of the camera.  In his movie House Party 4: Down To The Last Minute Chris played a mechanic named Ray Ray and in Somebody Help Me 2 he played a security guard named Otis.

4. Chris Stokes And Raz B Are Cousins

Chris’ family is originally from Cleveland, Ohio which is also Raz B’s hometown.  Chris was born in Los Angeles, CA but his family moved there from Cleveland.

5. Chris Stokes Put Raz B In His First Movie

Chris Stokes is the writer and director of the cult classic dance film You Got Served.  As the director of the film he was able to have the group B2K (which included Raz B) as stars of the movie.  The movie was a box office success.

1. Raz B Is From Cleveland, Ohio

Raz B was born in the City Of Cleveland on June 13, 1985.  He spent the early part of his childhood in Cleveland before moving out to Los Angeles.

2. Raz B Is One Of The Original Group Members In B2K

The R&B Boy Band B2K which was founded by Chris Stokes included Raz B as one of it’s original members.  While in the group Raz B did two albums, B2K and Pandemonium which were both very successful.  He also starred in the movie You Got Served while in the group.

3. Raz B Toured As A Solo Artist In China 

Raz B went on to pursue a solo career after B2K broke up.  As a solo artist he toured and performed all over China for a few years.

4. Raz B Has A Son

Raz was able to add the honoring title of “father” under his belt after the birth of his son.

5.  Raz B Is A Multi Talented Artist

Raz B is a very talented dancer, singer and actor.  He was able to showcase these talents during his tenure in B2K and went on to continue showcasing them after the group’s disbandment.

Fact One: Chris Stokes Discovered Brandy Norwood, Jhene Aiko, Sevyn Streeter and many more

Chris Stokes discovered many talented artists like Brandy Norwood, Jhene Aiko, Sevyn Streeter, Brittany Murphy and several others.  Chris has always been know for his ability and skill to discover and develop new talent. Especially female talent.

Fact Two: Chris Stokes Discovered Two Of The Biggest Urban Groups In History Immature & B2K

Chris Stokes is responsible for finding one of the biggest groups of the ’90s, Immature and one of the biggest groups of the ’00s B2K. He was the creative brainchild behind both groups and a large part of their success in the respective generations.

Fact Three: Chris Stokes Was The Vice President Of Interscope & Virgin Records

During his time of working with both groups, Chris became the Vice President of Interscope Records. In this position he worked very closely with Jimmy Iovine. Chris was also the Vice President of Virgin Records. These positions helped further solidify Chris’ position in the music industry.

Fact Four: Chris Stokes Helped Further The Solo Careers Of Marques Houston & Omarion

After the success of both Immature & B2K the lead singers went on to pursue successful solo careers. Marques Houston and Omarion went on from their respective groups to release solo albums. Chris Stokes was instrumental in the success of both of their solo careers that included a few chart topping hits.

Fact Five: Chris Stokes Is Planning On Starting A New Restaurant Chain In 2020

Although it hasn’t been publicly announced, Chris Stokes is planning on starting a restaurant chain in 2020. Chris has been known to have several celebrities over the years come by his house for his cooking. He has several signature dishes and has decided to specifically showcase one of them to the public. So without saying too much stay tuned for what Chris has coming your way in 2020.