Tia Mowry returns to the top with new Christmas movie, becoming Lifetime’s most-watched holiday movie. She tapped the talents of hip-hop video creator and director Bobby Yan, a native New Yorker. He has collaborated with Master P, interviewed The Notorious BIG, and is an 8-time Emmy Award winner.
Yan made a splash with his holiday film “Happy Beauty Salon,” starring Murray. The movie became the number one movie online. Yan said the film focuses on sisterhood, unity and black culture.
Yan shared with WonWorld Studios’ Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur his excitement at seeing A Very Merry Beauty Salon resonate so deeply with audiences.
“It’s a celebration of community,” he explains. “It’s an uplifting and funny story. That’s always been my goal.
To hear Bobby Yan’s story on Lil Wayne, JAY-Z and The Notorious BIG, watch the full interview.
The director also praised Tia Mowry, known for her role in the sitcom Sister, Sister with twin Tamara. She has since appeared in many television shows and films.
“Tia is a consummate professional,” Yan said. “She’s a queen. She’s a professional from top to bottom. She’s amazing. She knows her stuff. She’s a professional actress. She’s a philanthropist and she’s an entrepreneur. I think This movie shows that, as she serves as an executive producer on it, her third in a three-film collaboration with Lifetime.
The conversation didn’t stop there.
Yan has revealed his next big project, Sugar Mama, a thriller set to premiere on Tubi on January 3, 2025.
“With Sugar Mama, I wanted to get into different genres and challenge myself,” he points out. “It’s gripping and intense and I think audiences will love it.
“I come directly from the Holy Spirit. I think that’s the best way to describe it. I’ve been doing this for a long time. I started getting involved in the music industry with music videos many, many years ago. So I’ve directed over a hundred music videos , I think directing is like music to me.
The rigorous style, heavily influenced by hip-hop culture and visionary directors like Spike Lee, is always rooted in authenticity and innovation. He grew up in Hollis, Queens, when Run-DMC was all the rage, and went on to work under legendary “uncle” Ralph McDaniels at the famed Video Music Box. During an interview with Creekmur, he wore a VMB hoodie in homage.
“Hip-hop taught me to think outside the box,” he reflects. “It’s about finding your voice and staying true to it.”
Yan’s groundbreaking show in New Orleans, Hip Hop Half Hour, played a crucial role in connecting him with McDaniels and introducing him to a wider audience. The show highlighted local talent and further cemented his connection to the hip-hop community.
Looking back on his early career, Yan revealed that the first music video he made was for Master P’s “No More Tears.”
Donnie Yen worked with director Quinn Armstrong in New Orleans and witnessed the booming Southern hip-hop scene at the time.
“The beauty of it is being part of the local community and seeing artists like Juvenile, Cash Money and Mystikal grow from the beginning,” he said. Yan even recalled a lunch meeting with Mystica (then known as Michael) in college. “His cousin worked on my show, so he would sneak into the restaurant. Back then, he had hair, braids — even before he was You-Know-Who.
Donnie Yen (Bobby Yan) graduated from the ABC Disney directing program and is known as a cool guy and a creative genius. He has cemented his reputation as one of the most respected directors in the industry today.
“We need more voices telling the stories that matter,” he said. “For me, it’s not just about making a movie; it’s about making an impact.
For more information about Bobby Yan, please visit his website.
