By Antracia Moorings

Soul Train’s Best: Time Life commemorates the 40th anniversary of Soul Train with “The Best of Soul Train” 3-DVD boxed set hitting retail August 31 for the very first time in celebration of the culturally significant American institution that became a national launch pad for showcasing the latest names in Soul music, outrageous fashion and hip dances – making Soul music a mainstream global genre. “The Best of Soul Train” presents an amazing and rare collection of performances from the Soul Train archives, many of which haven’t been seen in over 30 years, including exclusive performances from Soul Train’s most acclaimed era (1971–1979) by The Jackson Five, Marvin Gaye, The O’Jays, Smokey Robinson, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Sly & The Family Stone and more.

There are 50 performances covered in eight hours of classic Soul, from the longest first-run series in syndication history (on air from 1970–2006) along with more than three hours of bonus material. Viewers will re-live the original dance styles and scene-stealing fashions from the heart of the ’70s as well as favorite moments from the Soul Train Dance Line to the beloved Soul Train Scramble Board. Also included are on-air interviews with the artists, classic Soul Train dancers, and some vintage commercials for Ultra Sheen and Afro Sheen products. This special collection features the best moments from several original Soul Train episodes totaling 50 songs and performances, with more than three hours of bonus material including exclusive interviews with Don Cornelius, Smokey Robinson, Jody Watley and others. “Soul Train was ‘must see’ television in black households across America in the 70s and it also had strong crossover appeal.  Soul Train fans have been waiting for years to re-live this exciting time!” Soul Train founder, Don Cornelius says.

Making Amends: Drake caught some heat with the Jamaican tourism board back in May when the video for his single ‘ind Your Love’ was released, and, according to Jamaican officials, portrayed the country in a violent and negative light. The video was filmed last April and featured Jamaica’ own Mavado. Despite the negative feedback, Drake has gone on to donate $25,000 for a learning center being helmed by Mavado in his hometown of Cassava Piece, Jamaica. Tentativly titled “Drake and Mavado Peace Center” the facility will be complete with a computer lab and library. “Basically Mavado and Drake shot some scenes in Cassava Piece and struck up an immediate rapport with the people there,” Mavado's manager told The Jamaica Star. “He thought they showed him a lot of love and he was very down to earth with them and wanted to do something positive.” The center will be free to the public, but still has a way to go as far as funding. Still, Movado notes: “We’re grateful for his contribution, it’s a great gesture, he is not even a Jamaican, so for him to do this and help build a foundation of knowledge and learning in our community is appreciated. Other successful Jamaicans should take a leaf out of Drake's book and give back to the communities from when they are born and grow."

Briefly: According to Deadline.com, Oscar nominee Taraji P. Henson will star in a Lifetime original movie, “Taken From Me: The Tiffany Rubin Story.” The film centers on Tiffany Rubin’s daring 2008 rescue of her seven-year-old son Kobe worlds away. Kobe had been the subject of a custody dispute between Rubin and her ex-husband, a South Korea native.

Finally: Kelly Rowland fans will have to wait a little longer for her album because she needs a little more time to finish it. Her album was scheduled to release September 21, but now she’s planning to put it out there mid-fall.