UPTOWN Magazine

When you’re having fun – and you’re famous – time flies. We’re keeping track of the latest and greatest of your favorite stars, but we’re not forgetting where they came from. Check out our gallery of your favorite stars and their transitions through Hollywood!

This week: It’s comeback season for these folks who got their start in the music industry. We have throwbacks from the ’80s, ’90s, and ’00s and you won’t believe what some of these folks are up to now.

Sheryl Lee Ralph is a Connecticut native with Jamaican roots, a long performing resume – and a gorgeous smile. She is most recognizable as Deena Jones in the Broadway hit Dreamgirls. Ralph later went on to hold down starring roles in the TV series Designing Women and Moesha.

Today the 56 year old actress, singer and HIV/AIDS activist is still working steadily. She can be seen on Ray Donovan playing Claudette, the ex-girlfriend of the just-released-from-jail-patriarch-with-a-past Mickey Donovan. In fall 2013, Ralph will star opposite Tia Mowry-Hardrict on the NickMom comedy Instant Mom.

Ah-dorbs. And this here is a little foreshadowing for a role this actor would have in the future. Doesn’t he totally look like the type to marry his college sweetheart Linda in 1999 and have three children, Djanai, Djaeda and Djordan?

Marion Pooch Hall‘s career started with commercials and modeling and in 2001, Hall nabbed his first acting role.

Pooch Hall’s breakout role to date has been playing NFL player Derwin Davis in BET’s hit TV series The Game from 2006-2012.

Last year, Hall announced that he began work on a new project – namely playing Daryl, the half-brother to the title character in the Showtime’s newest drama Ray Donovan.

Back in 1989, a 16 year old Special Ed (nee Edward Archer) was the Youngest In Charge with the release of his debut album of the same name.

Today, the 41 year old still got it made. Here, Special Ed is relaxing at the 2013 Atlanta Bike and Car Show. He’s also in the studio and performing live, most recently celebrating ROCKSTEADY’s 36th Anniversary at Central Park.

Syleena Johnson broke onto the R&B scene in 1999 with a now hard to find album titled Love Hangover. She received much acclaim for 2001’s Chapter 1: Love, Pain & Forgiveness but the album didn’t sell enough to be considered a commercial success.

In 2013, the almost 37-year-old (and sister of Chad Ochocinco Johnson) stars on R&B Divas Atlanta. She just opened up to Iyanla Vanzant about her childhood and bullying mother in the season premiere of Fix My Life.

Tell Me who might this little key tickler be? A pint-sized Amel Larrieux, of course.

The female half of neo-soul pioneers Groove Theory has stayed under the radar since their self-titled album was released in 1995, spawning much adored classics Tell Me and Keep Tryin‘. Larrieux left the group in 1999 to go independent.

Looking fab at 40, Larrieux’s newest addition to her discography – Ice Cream Everyday – drops August 27, 2013. It has been 7 years since her last studio album but if the just released single Afraid is any indication, it was worth the wait.

Related: 90’s Girl Groups We Love

If you can’t quite place this fresh faced girl…

Then this will help. Yep, this lass is Ola Ray, the co-star in Michael Jackson’s 1983 Thriller. Before her appearance in the mega hit, she was a Playboy Playmate. The video was the highlight of her career, aside from a few bit roles in ’80s sitcoms.

In 2009, she sued Michael Jackson for unpaid royalties from her role in his video, just a few months before he died. It wasn’t until 2012 that the case was settled by Jackson’s estate.

Now it seems Ray is pursuing a singing career. In June of 2013, she released this ‘tribute’ video to the King of Pop.

Connecticut native Kendra C. Johnson played Mo’Nique’s coworker and friend in the 2006 comedy Phat Girlz.

The editrix (of PLUS Model Magazine) and actor currently plays the role of Auntie Linda on Tyler Perry’s new OWN series Love Thy Neighbor.

Rochelle Aytes debuted on the big screen in the 2004 Wayans brothers film White Chicks. She later went on to play recurring roles in TV series including Desperate Housewives, Detroit 1-8-7 and The Forgotten.

Fast forward to 2013. Aytes (also a trained ballet dancer) can be seen in the new ABC drama Mistresses, playing the lead role of April, a recent widow raising two daughters. Later this year, she will also star in VH1’s made for TV original movie TLC Biopic. (photo credit: ABC)

Jason George was studying for his MFA at Temple University when he went to an open casting call on a whim. It netted him his first TV role as lifeguard Michael Bourne on the NBC soap Sunset Beach.

He nabbed a role in the film version of Barbershop in 2002. George went to play opposite Eve on the UPN comedy series of the same name. You’ve seen him here and there in guest roles on many ABC series. In 2010, he landed on Grey’s Anatomy as Dr. Ben Warren.

Jason Winston George‘s latest project is embracing the role of Dominic Taylor on the new ABC series Mistresses. In real life, he is a married father of one.

Knight Rider was the first regularly recurring role for the then 25 year old Peter Parros.

However, Parros is most widely recognized for playing Dr. Ben Harris from 1997-2009 on the soap As The World Turns.

Today, Parros is part of the cast of the salaciously over-the-top new OWN series The Haves And The Have Nots. He plays the role of David Harrington.

You probably know John Richard Schneider III from his stint as Bo Duke on the hit 70’s TV series The Dukes of Hazzard. He went on to star in several movies, play lead roles in musicals (including Chicago) and launch a career as a successful country music artist.

This season, he stars as Jim Cryer – the patriarch with a wandering eye in The Haves and the Have Nots.

Just from the first few notes, every 80’s baby recognizes the alluring, mysterious intro to “Sign Your Name” and the crisp drumstroke prelude to “Wishing Well,” two of the hit singles from the 1987 release “Introducing the Hardline According to Terence Trent D’Arby.”

For the Harlem-born artist, followup projects never saw the same success as his debut, but that didn’t keep him from trying. Now known as Sananda Maitreya (he legally changed his name in 2001), the husband and father of two lives in Milan. In the spring of 2013, Maitreya released his latest album, “Return to Zooathalon.” (Photo Credit: Facebook)

Jackée Harry plays 227‘s Sandra Clark, the pretty (and feisty) young thing living in the colorful apartment complex.

Harry is shown here at last year’s Lupus LA Hollywood Bag Ladies Luncheon in Beverly Hills, Calif.

The Sister, Sister actress currently plays sister-in-law to the president on Byron Allen‘s The First Family and will join the second-generation reboot of Boy Meets World.

Janet Hubert plays The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’s Vivian Banks, the no-nonsense aunt to her streetwise nephew Will Smith.

Hubert has caused quite a stir since her untimely departure from the show in 1993. Since, she’s nabbed roles on Gilmore Girls, The Bernie Mac Show, Tyler Perry’s House of Payne and more.

In March, the Chicago native spoke with The Grio about her beef with talk show host Wendy Williams, as well as her willingness to attend a cast reunion.

Kim Fields plays Living Single‘s Régine Hunter, the witty maneater amongst a group of dynamic New York City women.

Fields has kept busy with guest appearances on Kenan & Kel, The Steve Harvey Show, Meet the Browns and more. She most recently nabbed a role in 2012’s What To Expect When You’re Expecting, starring Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Chris Rock and others.

Fields is shown here at Bravo’s What Happens Live last May.

Phylicia Rashad plays The Cosby Show‘s Clair Huxtable, a.k.a. just about everyone’s favorite television mother.

In February, Rashad was honored during the Inaugural aTVfest presented by Savannah College of Art and Design for her outstanding achievement in television.

Rashad has kept a steady stream of jobs since her time on The Cosby Show, with roles in For Colored Girls, NBC’s Do No Harm, FOX’s The Cleveland Show and more.

Jasmine Guy plays A Different World‘s Whitley Gilbert, the self-important Southern Belle learning her life lessons at Hillman College.

Guy has kept a recurring role on the CW’s The Vampire Diaries since 2009. She has also appeared in television shows such as Drop Dead Diva, That’s So Raven, The Parkers and more.

Brandy plays the title character Moesha, the intelligent teenager with a sharp tongue and independent mindset.

Brandy star continued to rise long after Moesha‘s end with several musical projects– including last year’s Two Eleven— and a handful of television roles.

The bride-to-be is currently a cast regular on BET’s hit dramedy The Game.

Marla Gibbs plays The Jefferson’s Florence Johnston, the wisecracking housekeeper who kept George on his feet.

After The Jeffersons, Gibbs took the lead in the ’80s sitcom 227 with the aforementioned Jackée Harry. The 81-year-old actress has landed roles on television shows such as The Hughleys, Lincoln Heights, House of Payne and most recently, The First Family.

Jill Marie Jones plays Girlfriends‘ Toni Childs, the self-centered– yet sensitive– gal pal of three women navigating love and life in Los Angeles.

Post-Girlfriends, Jones scored roles in The Perfect Holiday, The Longshots, TBS’s Gillian in Georgia and more.

The beautiful Texas native is shown here at ESSENCE magazine’s 2013 Black Women In Hollywood Awards Luncheon in Beverly Hills, Calif. to honor Mara Brock Akil.

Raven-Symoné plays The Cosby Show‘s Olivia Kendall, the adorable add-on who held her own in a full house.

What hasn’t Raven done since The Cosby Show? The 27-year-old actress has built a multi-million dollar empire with several television roles (That’s So Raven, The Great State of Georgia), musical projects, merchandising and more.

Diva then, diva now.

The cast of Roots…

1977: LeVar Burton (as Kunta Kinte)

2013: As host and executive producer of PBS’s Reading Rainbow, Burton scored several Emmy awards for the long-running children’s series beginning in 1983. Post-Roots, he also landed a regular spot on Star Trek: The Next Generation and lent his voice to various cartoon projects. The 55-year-old actor is pictured here at the 17th annual Art Directors Guild Awards for Excellence in Production Design in Beverly Hills.

“My life could’ve turned out much differently and that is the biggest surprise to me—that I am still here 35 years later and still vital,” he said in a recent interview with EBONY.com. “Roots really was only the beginning for me. That’s rare.”

1977: Leslie Uggams (as Kizzy Reynolds)

2013: Uggams made her way to the Today show in New York City earlier in February. In addition to television and film, the Tony award-winning actress has appeared in Broadway shows across the nation such as Blues in the Night, King Hedley II and 2012’s Thoroughly Modern Millie.

1977: Ben Vereen (as Chicken George)

Now: The 66-year-old actor has enjoyed a successful career in film, television and stage with roles in Chicago, Wicked, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Law & Order: Criminal Intent and Idlewile, to name a few. Vereen, shown here at the 2012 Soul Train Awards, recently wrapped production on the animated film Khumba (2013).

1977: John Amos (as Toby)

2012: In 2012, Amos took on the role of Pastor Nelson in the Tyler Perry-directed comedy Madea’s Witness Protection; he’s shown here at the New York premiere. He’s stayed active with film and television spots such as The West Wing, Coming To America, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Men in Trees and more.

Amos will appear in PBS’s Pioneers of Television on Feb. 5 to discuss the impact and legacy of Roots.

1977: Cicely Tyson (as Binta)

Now: From King and A Lesson Before Dying to Hoodlum and The Diary of a Mad Black Woman, Tyson has certainly earned her title as a Hollywood legend.

In 2012, the 79-year-old actress landed a role in the drama thriller Alex Cross and recently finished production on The Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of Georgia, starring Abigail Spencer and Chad Michael Murray. Tyson is shown here at the National Domestic Workers Alliance Honors in Washington D.C.

1977: Louis Gossett Jr. (as Fiddler)

Now: Gossett’s career has spanned over five decades with roles in An Officer and a Gentleman, The Josephine Baker Story, Jasper, Texas and more. He is shown here waving to the crowds at the Hollywood Christmas Parade on Hollywood Blvd in Los Angeles in November.

1991: Charles S. Dutton as the hardworking Baltimore resident, Roc Emerson. The role led to an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in 1994.

2013: Dutton is shown here attending the 2013 Hip Hop Inaugural Ball at the Harman Center for the Arts in Washington D.C. Over the course of his career, the 61-year-old actor has nabbed roles in Rudy, Low Down Dirty Shame, A Time To Kill, The Obama Effect, the critically-acclaimed drama LUV and more.

1993: Ella Joyce fulfills her wifely duties as Eleanor Emerson.

2013: Joyce is no stranger to the theater stage with credits that include Fences, Medea and the Doll, Steppin’ into Tomorrow. The seasoned actress followed up her role in Roc with television series such as My Wife and Kids and TV One’s Belle’s. Joyce will also make an appearance in Tyler Perry’s Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor, out March 29.

1991: After a handful of small roles in the late ‘80s/early ‘90s, Rocky Carroll (top left) lands the role of Joey Emerson, Roc’s sly younger brother.

2012: Carroll is pictured here at a photo call during the 52nd Monte Carlo TV festival back in June. The 49-year-old actor has stayed quite active in the acting business with roles in television series such as Chicago Hope, The Agency, The Game, and NCIS.

1979: After several appearances on Good Times and What’s Happening!!, Debbi Morgan stars as Elizabeth Harvey in Alex Haley’s Roots: The Next Generations.

2013: The 56-year-old actress’ credits post-Roots include The Jesse Owens Story, Eve’s Bayou, a recurring spot on Soul Food: The Series and her role as Dr. Angie Hubbard on All My Children, to name a few. Morgan is shown here at the 2013 BET Honors in Washington, D.C.

1969: A young James Earl Jones in his Great White Hope days…

2013: Jones’ career has spanned nearly 60 years with brilliant stage roles that include Othello, Hamlet, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and films that include Star Wars, Field of Dreams, The Hunt for Red October and more.

Jones is pictured here with Angela Lansbury at a Driving Miss Daisy photo call in Sydney, Australia. The pair will reprise the roles of Hoke Colburn and Daisy Werthan in Driving Miss Daisy on March 1.

Then: With a style all their own, Chris “Mac Daddy” Kelly and Chris “Daddy Mac” Smith— better known as Kris Kross– hit the music scene in 1992 with their smash single “Jump, which sat at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for eight weeks.

2013: The duo recently reunited at Atlanta City Hall to help announce So So Def Recording’s All-Star Anniversary Concert to celebrate 20 years of chart-topping hits. They were joined by acts such as Jagged Edge, Da Brat, Xscape and more in late February.

On May 1, 2013, Chris Kelly was found dead in his Atlanta home.

‘90s: Remember this Family Matters cutie?

2013: After picking up a handful of roles here and there (Baywatch, The Bernie Mac Show), Naya Rivera landed a dream role on Fox’s wildly popular musical series Glee in 2009.

The 26-year-old actress is shown here at the FOX All-Star Party in Pasadena, CA earlier this month.

1998: Lee Thompson Young becomes a star within a star on the Disney Channel series, The Famous Jett Jackson.

2012: Over the years, Young has landed roles in Friday Night Lights, Scrubs, the short-lived FlashForward and most recently, TNT’s Rizzoli & Isles.

Allen Payne as our leading man, Jason Alexander

Photo by Jackson/McHenry Company

2012: Payne’s string of films in the mid-‘90s and early-2000s (The Tuskeegee Airmen, Double Platinum) eventually led to a starring role in the TBS dramedy Tyler Perry’s House of Payne. The 44-year-old actor is pictured here at the screening of South LA: Angel City in Hollywood back in November.

Photo by Paul A. Hebert/Getty Images

Jada Pinkett Smith as Jason’s beautiful love, Lyric

Photo by Jackson/McHenry Company

2012: Pinkett was a Hollywood favorite from the beginning and after Jason’s Lyric, the budding actress continued to pick up roles in blockbuster hits such as The Nutty Professor, Set It Off, The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions, Madagascar and more. Most recently, the wife and mother of two made a push to end human trafficking, even speaking to Congress back in July.

Photo courtesy of the Associated Press

Bokeem Woodbine as Jason’s troubled brother, Joshua Alexander

Photo by Jackson/McHenry Company

2012: Woodbine is pictured here at the Hollywood premiere of his most recent film, Total Recall—starring Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale, Jessica Biel and Bryan Cranston. The husband and father has enjoyed a longstanding career that includes roles in Dead Presidents, Life, TNT’s SouthLAnd and more.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Suzzanne Douglas as Jason and Joshua’s mother, Gloria

2012: In 1995, Douglas played wife and mother to four rambunctious children in the family sitcom The Parent ‘Hood. Since the show wrapped in 1999, the 55-year-old Image Award winning actress has kept busy with several television series and was most recently cast in the musical, In This House.

Photo courtesy of Wire Images

Forest Whitaker as Jason and Joshua’s father, Maddog

Photo by Jackson/McHenry Company

2012: Whitaker is shown here at the PeaceEarth foundation fundraising gala in London in November. There’s no question that this Hollywood vet has had a successful career (before and after Jason’s Lyric) while directing Waiting to Exhale and starring in films such as Light It Up, American Gun and, of course, his Academy Award-winning role in The Last King of Scotland. Up next: the action-drama The Last Stand with Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Anthony “Treach” Criss as Lyric’s sinister brother, Alonzo

Photo by Jackson/McHenry Company

2012: Less than a year after the release of Jason’s Lyric, Treach and the good fellas of Naughty by Nature dropped their fourth album Poverty’s Paradise, winning best rap album at the 1996 Grammy Awards. More than a decade later, Treach is still busting rhymes on the mic while booking television and film roles.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Eddie Griffin as Joshua’s tag-a-long buddy, Rat

Photo by Jackson/McHenry Company

2012: Shortly after wrap on Jason’s Lyric, Griffin landed the title role on UPN’s sitcom Malcolm & Eddie, alongside Malcolm-Jamal Warner. The funnyman added John Q, Undercover Brother, Norbit and other projects to his acting résumé, and will tackle a lengthy, multi-city comedy tour in 2013.

Lisa Nicole Carson as Marti, the quote-keeping friend to Lyric and Alonzo’s lover.

2012: Carson’s film credits post-Jason’s Lyric included Devil in a Blue Dress, Love Jones and Eve’s Bayou. In 1997, the Brooklyn native played prosecutor Renee Raddick on the Golden Globe Award-winning dramedy Ally McBeal and landed a recurring spot on NBC’s ER. In 2000, reports surfaced that the actress was being “cared for by family” due to mental health issues and was eventually treated in a mental health facility. But by 2012, Carson looked happy and well while reprising her role as Raddick on NBC’s series finale of Harry’s Law.

1988: Dean Big Brother Almighty, better known as Giancarlo Esposito, stars in Spike Lee’s classic ‘80s film, School Daze.

2012: Esposito hit the slopes at the Deer Valley Celebrity Skifest in Park City, Utah earlier in December. The 54-year-old actor kept quite busy this year with appearances in ABC’s One Upon a Time, NBC’s Revolution and the crime thriller Alex Cross.
1996: Shar Jackson joins the cast of the popular ‘90s series Moesha as the title character’s best friend, Niecy Jackson.

2012: Jackson is shown here at the premiere of “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2” in Los Angeles. In addition to playing mother to four children, Jackson starred in the action feature One Blood over the summer.

1985: Geoffrey Owens tries to find his place in the Huxtable family as Elvin Tibideaux on the classic sitcom The Cosby Show.

2012: In August, Owens attended the press launch for the New York International Fringe Festival (FringeNYC) with fellow actress Linda Kuriloff. Earlier this year, he received rave reviews for his role in David Mamet’s crime mystery play Race.

1985: Sheila E. plays herself in Krush Groove, based on the early days of Def Jam Records.

2012: Sheila was a beauty in blue at VH1 Divas 2012, featuring Kelly Rowland, Ciara, Keri Hilson and others. This past summer, the famed drummer traveled the world for a series of concerts in France, Holland, London, San Diego, Washington D.C., New York City and more. Sheila will reportedly release new music in 2013.

1998: 15-year-old Robert Ri’chard lands the well-mannered role of Bobby on Nickelodeon’s Cousin Skeeter, also starring Meagan Good.
2012: Ri’chard has kept busy with several television and movie parts over the years, including a current recurring role on The CW’s The Vampire Diaries.

1990: Thelma Frye, better known as Anna Maria Horsford, becomes a blushing bride on the church sitcom Amen.

2012: Horsford‘s longstanding career has brought in roles on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, The Wayans Bros., The Bernie Mac Show and more. Most recently, the 64-year-old actress played Helen Wilson on BET’s Reed Between the Lines.

1989: Long before she was Kim Parker, Countess Vaughn played the adorable Alexandria DeWitt on 227.
2012: After Moesha, The Parker and Celebrity Fit Club, Vaughn focused her attention on being a mother of three. She still hits the studio to brush up on her vocal skills (Shown here on TV One’s Life After).

2001: Pint-size Lil’ Romeo performs on ABC Family’s Front Row Center in Los Angeles after the release of his self-titled debut album.

2012: There’s nothing lil’ about him anymore. After a Nickelodeon series, a spot on USC’s basketball team and Dancing With The Stars, Romeo Miller is back to his first love– music. The 23-year-old rapper released his mixtape Inception in August.
’90s: Charles S. Dutton (bottom right) is a dedicated family man in the short-lived sitcom Roc.

2012: In addition to starring in The Obama Effect earlier this year, Dutton took up a role in the critically-acclaimed drama LUV also starring Common, Danny Glover and Dennis Haysbert.

1988: DJ Spinderella (left) spins the hits for Salt-n-Pepa’s second studio album A Salt With A Deadly Pepa.

2012: Spinderella takes her post at Shaquille O’Neal’s All-Star Comedy Jam at the Best Buy Theater in New York City. These days, she’s keeping the crowd rocking while comedians Capone, Finesse Mitchell, Tony Roberts and Gary Owens bring in the laughs. (WireImages)

1986: Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds releases his debut album Lovers (with a little help from the incomparable L.A. Reid).

2012: In October, Babyface performed at the 26th Anniversary Carousel of Hope Ball presented by Mercedes-Benz in Beverly Hills. In July, Toni Braxton revealed to EBONY.com that the pair was working on a project of duets, set for 2013. (Getty Images)

A Kodak moment from the Ross family’s past… (Shown here: Evan Ross & Tracee Ellis Ross)

2012: Ross shown here at the premiere of the Weinstein Company’s Lawless in Hollywood. The 24-year-old actor has reportedly wrapped production on Supremacy, also featuring Derek Luke and Danny Glover. The film is based on the real-life story of a white supremacist who takes a black family hostage after killing a cop. (Getty Images)

Early ‘90s: Bryton James (McClure) plays the adorable Richie Crawford on the classic sitcom Family Matters.

2012: James is pictured here at the book signing of “The Young and the Restless Life of William J. Bell” in Costa Mesa, CA in July. He’s kept busy with a role on The Young and the Restless since 2004. (WireImages)

1995: Let’s take it back…

2012: Montell Jordan attends the 43rd annual GMA Dove Awards Pre-Show in Atlanta back in April. In addition to playing husband and father to four beautiful children, the 43-year-old singer is a minister at Victory World Church in Norcross, GA. (Getty Images)

1997: Elise Neal stars alongside Chris Tucker in the ‘90s action/comedy Money Talks.

2012: Neal looks ravishing at the 2012 Soul Train Awards. The 46-year-old actress recently wrapped production on the upcoming drama 1982 and guest starred on ABC’s hit series Scandal earlier this year.

1980: Cheryl The Pearl, Blondie and Angie B—better known as Angie Stone—make up the first female hip-hop group, The Sequence.

2012: Looking good! Stone chatted with UPTOWN in July about the release of her sixth studio album Rich Girl…

1996: Maia Campbell (center) rounds out the revamped cast of In the House with Kim Wayans, LL Cool J and Alfonso Ribeiro.

2012: After suffering through troubled times, Campbell has called on Iyanla Vanzant to “Fix My Fallen Star.” The upcoming episode will air Nov. 17 on OWN.

1980: Charlie Wilson (center) and The Gap Band heat up the Billboard charts with The Gap Band III. “Burn Rubber,” anyone?

2012: Wilson is pictured here at the 2012 Soul Train Awards. In addition to keeping his sound fresh and funky, the 59-year-old crooner became a spokesperson for the Prostate Cancer Foundation in 2008.

Who is this handsome, young and budding rapper/actor?

2012: Common attends the GQ Men of the Year Party in Los Angeles. In addition to making “G.O.O.D.” music, his critically acclaimed film LUV hit theaters in early November.

1994: Wood Harris stars alongside Duane Martin and Tupac Shakur in Above the Rim.

2012: Harris pictured here at the after party for the opening night of A Streetcar Named Desire earlier this year. The talented actor is set to portray Malcolm X in Lifetime’s TV movie Betty and Coretta which began production in September.

1976: Pam Grier sits down for a candid interview while in Los Angeles.

2012: Grier walked the black carpet at the 5th annual ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood back in February. This November, Grier plays mother to “the Blacksmith” (RZA) in The Man with the Iron Fists.

1989: Funnyman Martin Lawrence claims the role of Cee in Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing.

2012: This past weekend, Lawrence celebrated Eddie Murphy’s incredible career at Spike TV’s tribute “One Night Only.” The actor recently told TMZ that he might return to television “soon.” Hmmm…

1966: Mary Wilson (center) and The Supremes perform “My World Is Empty Without You” on The Ed Sullivan Show. Girl power.

2012: Wilson is shown here at the Hollywood premiere of Sparkle, loosely based on The Supremes. Later this month, the 68-year-old singer will pay tribute to the legendary Lena Horne in the production of Stormy Weather.

1994: Terrence “T.C.” Carson plays the always-boastful Kyle Barker on the classic ‘90s sitcom, Living Single.

2012: Our friends over at Madame Noire recently caught up with Carson who discussed the cast’s chemistry and what he’s up to these days…

1983: Made famous by Soul Train’s Don Cornelius in the late ‘70s, Jody Watley (center) gets her start with the group Shalamar.

2012: Pictured here with legendary director Vincent Paterson, Watley stars in Loving The Silent Tears, an “international musical event,” at The Shrine Auditorium in October.

1986: It might be difficult to see his face, but oh that hair…

Dondre Whitfield makes his appearance on The Cosby Show as Vanessa Huxtable’s boyfriend, Robert.

2012: You can catch the 43-year-old actor in Ava DuVernay’s critically acclaimed drama Middle of Nowhere. Whitfield is pictured here with his wife Salli Richardson-Whitfield at the film’s premiere in Los Angeles.

1991: Lynn Whitfield took on the role of a lifetime in The Josephine Baker Story.

2012: Whitfield enjoys a cocktail at La Maison Cointreau Debuts in New York City. She recently wrapped production on The Last Letter also starring Omari Hardwick and Sharon Leal.

1995: As one-half of the ‘90s R&B duo Groove Theory, Amel Larrieux releases the group’s debut album.

2012: In June, Larrieux brought her sweet sounds to the SummerStage Gala Opening Concert in New York City. Her forthcoming album is titled Ice Cream Every Day.

1989: Rosie Perez gets her first major acting gig in Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing.

2012: Perez takes on the role of Breena Harper in Won’t Back Down, starring Maggie Gyllenhaal and Viola Davis (shown here at the film’s New York premiere).

1988: Karyn White‘s self-titled debut album shoots to the top of the R&B charts.

2012: White appears on TV One’s candid series Life After. The 47-year-old singer released Carpe Diem, her first album in seventeen years, in March.

1992: Khalil Kain makes his acting debut alongside Tupac Shakur and Omar Epps in Juice.

2012: Kain attends The Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation Gala in New York City. You can next find him on Broadway, playing the title role in the first major revival of The Great MacDaddy, which opens on November 15, 2012 at 777 Theater.
1991: Wide receiver Desmond Howard breaks record after record at the University of Michigan to eventually become a Heisman trophy winner.

2012: Howard attends DIRECTV’s Celebrity Beach Bowl earlier this year in Indianapolis, Indiana. The former football star can be found on ESPN as their go-to college football analyst.

1990: Damon Wayans brings in the laughs as a cast member on In Living Color.

2011: Wayans leaves the John Leguizamo Show in Hollywood late last year.

1988: Tisha Campbell-Martin is cast as Jane Toussaint in the Spike Lee joint School Daze.

2012: Campbell makes an appearance on Good Morning America in August. She and husband Duane Martin recently opened up a restaurant lounge, Xen, in the San Fernando Valley.

2001: George O. Gore II plays Michael “Junior” Kyle on the family sitcom.

2012: Coincidentally, Gore co-stars alongside Craig Wayans and Damien Dante Wayans for BET’s upcoming family comedy Second Generation Wayans.

2001: Jennifer Freeman plays the pretty, yet ditzy, Claire Kyle.

2012: Freeman attends the premiere of Bully in Los Angeles. She now plays mother to her three-year-old daugher Isabella Amour Watson.

2001: The adorable Kady Kyle, played by Parker McKenna Posey.

2012: Posey has grown into a beautiful young lady! As shown is ready to graduate from high school and take on the world.

Photo courtesy of Twitter

2001: Camille Winbush (bottom left) plays “Nessa” Thomkins on The Bernie Mac Show.

2012: Winbush attends Paul Frank Fashion’s Night Out in West Hollywood in September. The beautiful actress has kept busy with a role on ABC Family’s The Secret Life of the American Teenager.

1993: SWV heats up the Billboard charts with their hit single “Weak.”

2012: SWV poses with Estelle at the CHEVY Shot Caller’s Dinner for Black Girls Rock 2012! in New York City. The group recently released the album I Miss Us in April.

1984: A young Alfonso Ribeiro grooves with the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

2012: In October, Ribeiro tied the knot with longtime girlfriend Angela Unkrich in Los Angeles.

1986: A classic! Anita Baker releases her second studio album, Rapture.

2012: Baker attends “A Tribute To The Music of Motown” after party in New York City earlier this year. Her newest project Only Forever will be released later this year.

1987: Don Franklin guest stars as Greg Martinson on The Cosby Show.

2012: Franklin attends the premiere of Any Day Now during the 2012 Tribeca Film Festival in New York City. The film, featuring Frankliln, took home the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature Film at the 13th Annual Woodstock Film Festival.

Beautiful! A young Jenifer Lewis early in her career.

2012: Lewis attends the premiere of Sparkle in Hollywood. This year, Lewis starred in the box office hit Think Like a Man.

1978: Tim Reid stars as DJ Venus Flytrap on WKRP in Cincinnati.

2012: Reid speaks at the USDA Black History Month Celebration back in February.

1996: Sisqó, a quarter of the ’90s R&B sensation Dru Hill, releases their self-titled debut album.

2012: Sisqó performs at Singersroom’s R&B Spotlight Showcase in June.

Photo courtesy of Concrete Loop

1981: Sheryl Lee Ralph (middle) takes on the role of Denna Jones in Dreamgirls, eventually leading to a Tony Award nod for Best Actress.

2012: Ralph attends the memorial service for late actor Michael Clarke Duncan.

1993: Bianca Lawson (center) gets cast on Saved By The Bell: The New Class.

2012: Lawson attends the premiere of The Weinstein Company’s “Bully” in Los Angeles.

1990: Johnny Gill releases “Rub You The Right Way” off of his self-titled album.

2012: Gill performs at BET’s Celebrationof Gospel back in March.

A young Dionne Warwick shines in this black and white still.

2012: Warwick receives the 2012 NBLCA Choose Life Award in New York City.

1970: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar‘s father congratulates him on being named the NBA’s Rookie of the Year.

2012: Abdul-Jabbar brings in the big bucks at a taping of Jeopardy! in Washington, DC.

Late 80’s: Rosario Dawson makes an appearance on Seasme Street.

2012: Dawson attends a photo call for Tara Smith’s “Vegan Haircare” at Oxford Street London.

1995: Amanda Seales (formerly Amanda Diva) captures a role on the short-lived Nickelodeon sitcom My Brother and Me.

2012: Seales does promo for MTV’s Hip Hop POV in New York City.

1987: Perri “Pebbles” Reid releases her self-titled debut album.

2012: Pebbles attends the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Atlanta Legends Mixer to kick off BET’s Hip Hop Awards weekend.

1997: Remember this sweetie pie from Soul Food?

2012: Brandon Hammond is all grown up!

The 28-year-old film school graduate recently told ESSENCE.com that he’s been writing and directing since the film wrapped and is working on a television show with his friends.

1989: Oh baby youuuuu! Biz Markie climbs the Billboard charts with this hip-hop hit.

2012: Markie searches high and low for the perfect home in Washington, D.C. on Celebrity House Hunting.

1994: Da Brat gets Funkdafied.

2012: Da Brat attends the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Atlanta Legends Mixer at W Hotel Midtown.

1987: 25-year-old Keith Sweat releases his debut album Make It Last Forever.

2012: Sweat performs at the Fresh Music Festival in Orlando, FL back in July.

1988: Anthony Anderson poses for his senior yearbook picture at Hollywood High.
2012: Anderson makes his promo rounds the new NBC comedy Guys With Kids.
1984: A Cosby kid! Tempestt Bledsoe makes her big acting debut as Vanessa Huxtable on The Cosby Show.
2012: Bledsoe and Anthony Anderson make an adorable couple on NBC’s Guys With Kids.
2001: Kerry Washington as Chenille in Save the Last Dance.
2012: Washington will make her return as Olivia Pope in season two of Scandal.
2008: NeNe Leakes becomes the breakout star of Real Housewives of Atlanta.
2012: Leakes delivers major at-ti-tude on NBC’s new sitcom The New Normal.
2004: Keyshia Cole released her debut single “Never,” featuring Eve.
2012: Cole stops by Power 105.1’s “The Breakfast Club” to discuss her new reality show with husband Daniel Gibson.

1980’s: A young Steve Harvey shows off his pearly whites.

2012: From comedian to author to radio personality, Harvey can now add “talk show host” to his resume.

2000: Tamar Braxton releases her self-titled debut album.

2012: Braxton attends Angela Simmons‘ 25th Birthday celebration in New York City. You can catch all of her hilarious antics on her reality spin-off Tamar & Vince.

1995: The sassy Meagan Good in Friday.

2012: The cheery actress attends will.i.am‘s charity event in Hollywood. Good will star in NBC’s Infamous later this year.

Then: Irene Cara as Sparkle Williams

Now: Cara went on to star in the ’80s classic Fame and most recently released her band’s album Irene Cara Presents Hot Caramel.

Then: Philip Michael Thomas as Stix

Now: After Sparkle, Thomas went on to play Ricardo Tubbs in Miami Vice.

Then: Lonette McKee as Sister Williams

Now: McKee has kept busy with roles in Jungle Fever, Men of Honor, ATL and more.

Then: Dwan Smith as Delores Williams

Now: Interesting….

Then: Mary Alice as Effie Williams

Now: The Emmy Award-winning actress has played every role from housemother on A Different World to The Oracle in The Matrix Revolutions.

Then: Dorian Harewood as Levi Brown

Now: Harewood starred in Roots: The Next Generation as well as The Jesse Owens Story, among other projects.

2006: A then 16-year-old Jordin Sparks auditions for American Idol.

2012: Sparks attends the New York premiere of Sparkle.

1986: Whitney Houston receives her first GRAMMY for Best Pop Vocal Performance (“Saving All My Love For You”).

2011: The late Houston attends Clive Davis’ Pre-GRAMMY Gala in Beverly Hills. We miss you Whitney!

2007: Tika Sumpter hosts SOAPnet’s The Night Before Party for the Daytime Emmy Award Nominees.

2012: Sumpter attends the New York premiere of Sparkle.

1997: Carmen Ejogo stars alongside Eddie Murphy in the action-comedy Metro.

2012: Ejogo attends the New York premiere of Sparkle.

2002: Derek Luke wows America in his debut performance in Antwone Fisher.

2012: Luke attends the New York premiere of Sparkle.

2006: Omari Hardwick attends the Los Angeles premiere of Gridiron Gang.

2012: Hardwick attends the New York premiere of Sparkle.

2000: Day-Day! Mike Epps stars alongside Ice Cube in the comedy Next Friday.

2012: Epps attends the New York premiere of Sparkle.

1990s: Cee Lo Green becomes the breakout star of hip-hop group Goodie Mob.

2012: Green attends The Voice press junket and cocktail reception.

2007: Terrence J makes an appearance at “R&B Live” at Spotlight in New York.

2012: Terrence J and the beautiful Selita Ebanks attend the 12^th annual BET Awards.

2005: Tamela Mann delivers her debut album Gotta Keep Movin’.

2012: Mann presents an award at the 43^rd annual GMA Dove Awards in Georgia.

1984: Curtis Armstrong plays Dudley “Booger” Dawson in the classic ‘80s comedy Revenge of the Nerds.

2011: Armstrong makes an appearance on Rules of Engagement.

1976: Danielle Spencer-Fields plays the sassy Dee Thomas on What’s Happening!!

2012: After a devastating car accident in 1977, Spencer became a successful veterinarian in Saugus, Calif.

1988: Al B. Sure delivers his debut album, In Effect Mode.

2012: Al B. Sure attends “Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth, Live On Stage” in Las Vegas.

Early 1990s: Young and Immature. Marques Houston (a.k.a. Batman) and his fellow bandmates made the girls go crazy.

2012: Houston attends Crown Royal Black and Urban Entrepreneurs “BE Next” Awards.

1971: Pat Cleveland gets glam for Vanity Fair.

2012: Cleveland attends the premiere of HBO’s upcoming documentary About Face: Super Models Then & Now in New York.

1989: Darius McCrary plays Eddie Winslow in the classic television sitcom Family Matters.

2012: McCrary is spotted at Café Entourage in Hollywood.

Early 1990s: A young Tevin Campbell wows the crowd with his chart-topper “Tomorrow.”

2012: Campbell takes us back to “Can We Talk.”

1997: Chanté Moore with then-husband Kadeem Hardison at an event for Hoodlum.
2012: Moore looking just as stunning at this year’s BET Awards in Los Angeles, Calif.
1960s: Ronald Isley, center, captures America’s attention with The Isley Brothers’ one-of-a-kind sound.
2011: Isley performs at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame tribute concert honoring Aretha Franklin.

1987: Holly Robinson Peete stars as Sergeant Judy Hoffs on 21 Jump Street.2012: Peete attends the 2012 Women In Film Crystal + Lucy Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif.1996: Gold Olympian Michael Johnson poses for TIME magazine.
2012: Johnson attends Nike’s 2012 Debut of Team USA Apparel in New York City.
1992: How adorable! Tahj Mowry plays Teddy on the classic ’90s sitcom Full House.
2012: Mowry attends The Thirst Project’s 3rd Annual Gala in Beverly Hills, Calif.
2000s: A young Taraji P. Henson early in her career.
2012: Henson goes blue for this year’s BET Awards.

1992: Jason Weaver takes on the role of Michael Jackson in The Jacksons: An American Dream.

2012: Weaver on set of Dysfunctional Friends with Wesley Jonathan, Datari Turner and Terrell Owens.

1991: R&B singer Shanice blasts onto the scene with her hit single “I Love Your Smile.”

2011: Shanice, husband Flex Alexander and their two children attend a signing for La Toya Jackson‘s book “Starting Over.”

1998: Kelis releases her debut album Kaleidoscope.

2012: One baby and nasty divorce later, Kelis is still doing her thing.

1987: Reginald VelJohnson plays “The Big Kahuna” Carl Winslow on the classic sitcom Family Matters.

2012: VelJohnson currently has a recurring role as Dash DeWitt on the CW’s Hart of Dixie.

1980s: Deion Sanders becomes an All-American cornerback at Florida State University.

2012: Sanders attends T.D. Jakes‘ 35th Anniversary of Ministry Gala in Dallas, TX with producer Tracey Edmonds.

1990: Erika Alexander moves into the Cosby residence as Pam Tucker.

2011: Alexander attends the 42nd annual NAACP Image Awards in Los Angeles, Calif.

1980s: Downtown Julie Brown rocks Club MTV.

2012: Brown looks white hot at the Billboard Music Awards.

Related: 2012 Billboard Music Awards Arrivals [PHOTOS]

1999: LisaRaye McCoy hits the red carpet long before her Single Ladies days.

2012: McCoy attends the Second Biennial Diamond Awards presented by the Not Alone Foundation in Atlanta.

Related: LisaRaye On ‘Single Ladies’ Critics: “F**k ‘Em!”

1996: Eric Benét releases his debut album True To Myself.

2012: Benét strikes a strong pose at the Billboard Music Awards.

Related: Chaka Khan Calls On Famous Friends For Trayvon PSA [VIDEO]

’80s: Bobby Brown steals the show while goofing off with New Edition.

2012: Brown works it out on stage during a New Edition concert in Newark, N.J.

Related: Bobby Brown Dedicates New Song To Whitney [VIDEO]

1975: A young Melba Moore releases Peach Melba.

2012: Moore attends “A Tribute To The Music of Motown” in New York City.

Related: 3 Reasons To Attend The Women Of Excellence In The Arts Event Next Year

1995: D’Angelo delivers the sweet, sweet sounds of Brown Sugar.

2012: How does it feel? D’Angelo for GQ magazine…

Related: D’Angelo Is Back Like He Never Left In ‘GQ’

Lisa Bonet as Denise Huxtable

2012: Bonet attends HBO’s Post Golden Globe Awards Party in California.

Jasmine Guy as Whitley Gilbert

2011: Jasmine Guy meets with Usher backstage at the 33rd Annual Georgia Music Hall of Fame Awards.

Kadeem Hardison as Dwayne Wayne

2010: Hardison and Tamir Muhammud attend the Tribeca Film Festival in NYC.

Darryl M. Bell as Ronald “Ron” Johnson, Jr. (far right)

2009: Bell attends the launch of Fox’s Househusbands of Hollywood.

Charnele Brown as Kimberly “Kim” Reese

Brown has taken small roles over the years in sitcoms such as Martin, Living Single and Girlfriends.

Cree Summer as Winifred “Freddie” Brooks

Early 2000s: Summer has done a number of voiceovers over the span of her career.

Then, Jada Pinkett as Lena James

2012: Jada looks on at the Madrid Mutua Open over Mother’s Day weekend.

Glynn Turman as Col. Bradford Taylor

2012: Turman attends the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.

Sinbad as Walter Oakes

2012: Sinbad keeps the crowd laughing at Muhammad Ali‘s Celebrity Fight Night XIII.

Lou Myers as Vernon Gaines

2008: Myers heads out for the curtain call of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

Loretta Devine as Stevie Rallen

2012: Devine shines at the launch party of Lifetime’s The Client List.

Marisa Tomei as Maggie Lauten

2012: Tomei attends the Brooklyn Artists’ Ball after party in NYC.

Dawnn Lewis as Jalessa Vinson Taylor (upper right)

2012: Lewis poses with Courtney B. Vance at the TCA Press Tour for Disney ABC Television.

Marie Alice as Leticia “Lettie” Bostic

2011: Alice attends opening night of The Mountaintop in New York City.

1987: A young Jay-Z shot by photographer Ernie Paniccioli.

2012: Jay-Z gives a surprise performance at YouTube’s Upfront Presentation.

Related: NY Post Columnist Defends His ‘Racist’ Comments Against Jay-Z

1993: Kenya Moore wins the Miss USA pageant.

2012: Moore and Claudia Jordan attend an event at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

Related: Is This Sheree Whitfield’s ‘RHOA’ Replacement?

1991: Sir Charles Barkley concentrates on leading his Philadelphia 76ers to a win.

2012: Barkley attends DOVE Men+Care’s “Journey to Comfort”during Final Four Weekend.

Related: Shaunie O’Neal Spills Deets On ‘Basketball Wives’ Movie

1975: Patti LaBelle (center) as frontwoman of the popular singing trio LaBelle.

2012: LaBelle delivers a showstopping performance at the BET Honors.

Early 90s: Bill Bellamy stayed busy as a comedian on Def Comedy Jam and an MTV VJ.

2012: Bellamy attends the 9th Annual John Varvatos Stuart House Benefit in California.

1994: Nas in his Illmatic era.
2012: Trey Songz and Nas attend GQ‘s April issue launch party in New York City.

Related: Real Talk: Does Nas Go Too Far With ‘Daughters’?
1962: Photographer Carl Van Vechten captures a young and beautiful Ruby Dee.
2011: Dee attends opening night of The Mountaintop in New York City.
1992: Brian McKnight releases his self-titled debut album.
2012: McKnight attends the 43rd NAACP Image Awards viewing event.

1990: Funny woman Kim Coles keeps audiences laughing on In Living Color.
2012: Coles arrives at the 18th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards.
1994: 90s classic! Brandy delivers her self-titled debut album at just 15 years old.
2012: Brandy greets fans after leaving Live With Kelly.

Related: Brandy On Her Eating Disorder

1990s: Paula Patton poses for her high school picture at Hamilton H.S. in Los Angeles.

2012: Patton glows on the cover of UPTOWN’S Travel Issue.

Related: Inside The UPTOWN “Travel Issue”

2002: Michael B. Jordan play 16-year-old drug dealer Wallace on HBO’s The Wire.

2012: Jordan gets silly at our photo shoot earlier this year.

Related: Octavia Spencer, Michael B. Jordan To Star In Oscar Grant Film

1991: Model-in-the-making Tyra Banks as a senior at Immaculate Heart High School in Los Angeles.

2012: Banks attends Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour by Cirque du Soleil.

Related: Tyra Axes Nigel Barker, J. Alexander & Jay Manuel From ‘America’s Next Top Model’

Early 2000s: Shaunie O’Neal pictured with then-husband Shaquille O’Neal.

2012: O’Neal’s still got it! The Basketball Wives star poses for the show’s promo pictures.

Related: Shaunie O’Neal Releases Statement On ‘Basketball Wives’ Controversy

1959: A young Berry Gordy stands in front of Motown Records.

2012: Gordy addresses the press at the 27th annual Rock And Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

Related: Berry Gordy And Gamble & Huff Speak On Dick Clark’s Death

1998: Maxwell dives into his second studio album, Embrya.

2012: Maxwell celebrates Latina Magazine’s 15th Anniversary.

Related: Maxwell Announces Tour, Set To Perform Full Albums

1970s: Billy Dee Williams wooed the ladies with his handsome looks.

2011: Williams attends the 21st Annual NAACP Theatre Awards in Hollywood.

2006: A precious little Willow Smith visits The Oprah Winfrey Show.

2012: Smith attends Nickelodeon’s 25th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards with her attention-grabbing pink hair.

1995: Kanye West poses for his senior picture at Polaris High School in Oak Lawn, IL.

2012: West is spotted leaving Jeffrey boutique in New York City.

Related: President Obama Prefefs Jay-Z, Calls Kanye A Jackass (Again)
2001: Alicia Keys takes the music world by storm with her first hit single “Fallin’.”

2012: Keys rocks out at her cover shoot for VIBE Magazine.

1984: Classic! Prince releases Purple Rain.
2011: Prince sits front row at the Versace for H&M Fashion event.

1994: Marion Jones as a star basketball player at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

2011: Jones poses for Austin Fit Magazine.

Related: From Baller To Broke

1989: Woot! Woot! Woot! Arsenio Hall on set of his talk show The Arsenio Hall Show.

2012: Hall as a competitor on NBC’s Celebrity Apprentice.

1966: Nichelle Nichols as Lieutenant Uhura on Star Trek.

2012: Nichols poses with President Obama in the Oval Office.

1996: Chris Bridges a.k.a. Ludacris as a senior at Banneker High School in Atlanta.

2012: Ludacris attends the 25th Annual Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards with his daughter.

1994: Wyclef Jean (lower right) and the Fugees debut album, Blunted On Reality.

2012: Jean attends Jaguar’s celebration of its sporting past and future in New York.

2006: 16-year-old Jordin Sparks auditions for American Idol in Seattle, eventually becoming the winner of her season.

2012: Sparks attends Muhammad Ali‘s Celebrity Fight Night XIII in Phoenix, AZ.

Related: Whitney, Jordin, R. Kelly & More: ‘Sparkle’ Soundtrack Details

1998: Kelly Price pictured with the late Whitney Houston and Faith Evans.

2012: Price attends BET’s Celebration of Gospel in Los Angeles.

1996: Tyson Beckford poses for Polo Jeans Co.

2012: Beckford attends the Launch Party for Emilio Cavallini‘s new product “Mantyhose” in London.

2003: Dwyane Wade becomes a star at Marquette University, leading his team to the Final Four.

2012: Wade faces the Dallas Mavericks in Miami.

1980: Sugar Ray Leonard covers Sports Illustrated.

2012: Leonard is pictured with Keep Memory Alive Founder Larru Ruvo to celebrate Muhammad Ali‘s 70th birthday in Vegas.

Related: 10 Black Olympians Being Honored At London Subway Stops [PHOTOS]

1995: Deborah Cox releases her self-titled debut album.

2012: Cox (fifth from left) attends the baby shower of Chris Bosh‘s wife Adrienne (fourth from left).

1993: Willie Norwood, or Ray J, plays L.J. Beckley on the short-lived sitcom “The Sinbad Show.”

2012: Ray J arrives at LAX shortly after Whitney Houston‘s funeral.

1993: Nicole Murphy with then-husband Eddie Murphy.

2012: Murphy and Michael Strahan attend the PBA Chris Paul Celebrity Invitational Bowling Tournament.

1988: The beautiful Garcelle Beauvais in Coming To America.

2012: White hot! Beauvais attends the ceremony for Malcom McDowell to receive a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

1986: El DeBarge‘s self-titled debut album
2012: DeBarge attends the 54th Annual Grammy Awards.

1999: Eve‘s debut album Let There Be Eve…Ruff Ryders’ First Lady

2012: Eve attending Leila Shams Fall/Winter 2012 Fashion Week party.

2007: Angela Simmons at EA Sports Madden 08 event with then-boyfriend Bow Wow.

2012: Simmons shines at BET’s Rip The Runway.

Related: Lil’ Kim Rips The Runway

2006: The adorable Jaden Smith sits down with Oprah to discuss breakthrough film The Pursuit of Happyness.

2012: Just six years later, Smith is on his way to becoming…well…the next Will Smith. (Shown here on the set of After Earth).

1994: Tamia‘s shines in her first single “You Put a Move on My Heart.”

2012: Tamia poses with Kenny Lattimore at ESSENCE’s 3rd Annual Black Women in Music.

1985: Funny lady Mo’Nique poses for her high school yearbook photo.

2011: Mo’Nique attends the 83rd Academy Awards Nominations Announcement.

Related: LOTD: Bobbi K. Blasts Incest Claims + Mo’Nique Slims Down [PHOTOS]

1987: Danny Glover as Detective Roger Murtaugh in the box-office hit Lethal Weapon.

2012: Glover celebrates the 25th anniversary of Lethal Weapon at Sofrito in New York.

1980: Paula Abdul looks bright and cheery as a Los Angeles Laker girl.

2012: Abdul hangs out with Minnie Mouse during her visit to Disney World in Florida.
1992: Jaleel White in his most recognized role as Steve Urkel.

2012: White hosting SyFy’s ‘Total Blackout’ panel at the 2012 Winter TCA Tour.

Related: Jaleel White, Gladys Knight & More Take On ‘Dancing With The Stars’

Early 90s: Tameka “Tiny” Cottle performs with her group Xscape.

2012: Tiny attends the AKOO Fashion Show at Vanquish in Atlanta.

1983: Lionel Richie gives the “cool guy” stance for his hit single “All Night Long.”
2012: Richie at the BBC Radio 2 Studios in London, England, UK.

Early 90s: Kandi Burruss shines her bright smile as a member of Xscape.

2012: Burruss sits pretty for the camera!

Who’s that adorable girl with the specs??

2012: Our cover girl, Tracee Ellis Ross!

Behind The Scenes: Tracee Ellis Ross [PHOTOS]

1991: Cuba Gooding Jr. starring in the Black classic Boyz in the Hood.

2012: Gooding attends a celebration for the 40th Anniversary of Sir Charlie Chaplin’s honorary Academy Award.

Late 80s: Regina King plays Brenda Jenkins in 227.

2012: King, just as beautiful, at QVC’s Red Carpet Style Event in February.

1990: Chris Rock promotes his “White People’s Guide to Surviving the Apollo” on Saturday Night Live.

2012: Rock presenting at the 84th Annual Academy Awards.

1985: Jackée Harry playing the flirtatious and hilarious Sandra Clark on 227.

2012: Harry speaking at the Television Critics Association Press Tour for her newest movie Brother White.

1993: Lauryn Hill as Rita Louise Watson in Sister Act 2.

2011: Hill performing at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Honors for Aretha Franklin.

Related: Lauryn Hill: ‘Be Patient With Me, New Is Coming’
1980: Magic Johnson leads the Lakers to a national championship.

2012: Johnson attends the 27th Annual Paul Mitchell Hair Show in Las Vegas.

Related: Magic Johnson To Launch Black Television Network
A young and stunning Debbie Allen showing off for the camera!

2012: Allen speaking at the Michael Jackson Hand and Footprint ceremony in Los Angeles.

2002: Nick Cannon marches to the beat of his own drum in Drumline.
2012: Cannon attends the second night of Jay-Z‘s benefit concert at Carnegie Hall.

Related: Mariah Carey Talks Whitney, Nick’s Health & New Music [VIDEO]

Gladys Knight flashes her beautiful smile in her younger days.
2012: Knight still looking fresh and flawless at Clive Davis’ pre-GRAMMY gala.

1961: Cicely Tyson, pictured with James Earl Jones, in the off-Broadway production of the play The Blacks.

2012: Tyson attends the B Michael America Fall 2012 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

1997: Larenz Tate starring in the classic Love Jones.

2011: Tate still looking handsome at the launch party of the video game “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim” in L.A.

Related: Larenz Tate, Wayans Bros. To Star In BET’s New Series

1988: Samuel L. Jackson with a small role in Coming To America.

2012: Jackson pictured at Angela Bassett’s party at Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle.
2006: Keke Palmer‘s breakout role in Akeelah and the Bee.

2012: Palmer attending the premiere of Think Like A Man at the ArcLight Cinemas Cinerama Dome in Hollywood, Calif.

Related: ‘Think Like A Man’ Red Carpet Arrivals [PHOTOS]
Late 1980s: Dr. Dre with the meanest of mugs, repping N.W.A.

2012: Dr. Dre attending Clive Davis’ pre-GRAMMY gala.

2005: The First Family gets snapped while Barack is sworn into Congress. Beautiful!

2011: The Obamas sit down for their new family photo for the new year.

1999: LeBron James‘ freshman year at St. Vincent – St. Mary High School in Akron, OH.

2012: James gets fired up over his win against the Cleveland Cavaliers Feb. 7.

1997: Missy Elliott shines in her classic video “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly) off of her debut album.

Now: Missy always keeps it fresh in her Adidas. She’ll be back with new music in June!

Early 90s: Martin Lawrence came to fame on Russell Simmon‘s Def Comedy Jam and, of course, his popular series Martin.

2011: Lawrence attends the screening of “Big Momma’s: Like Father, Like Son.”

2001: Ashanti doing promo for her self-titled debut album.

2012: Not much has changed! Ashanti stuns at the premiere of “Safe House” in New York.

Early 70s: A young and handsome Al Green sings his way into our hearts.

2012: Green performs at the Obama Victory Fund 2012 Concert at the Apollo Theater.

1995: Zoe Saldana posing for her senior picture.

2012: Saldana attending this year’s Screen Actors Guild Awards.

2000: Lil Bow Wow, 13, at the Radio Music Awards.

2012: He’s not “lil” anymore. Bow Wow celebrating the release of his latest album “Underrated” at Chateau Nightclub.

1995: Donald Faison in the 90s classic “Clueless.”

2011: Faison attending TV Land’s premiere of “Hot in Cleveland” and “The Exes.”

1988: Tisha Campbell-Martin starring in School Daze.

2012: Campbell leaving Mr. Chow in Beverly Hills.

Eddie Murphy, our “Best Of” cover guy!

2011: Murphy attending the world premiere of “Tower Heist” in New York in October.

Related: Inside the UPTOWN “The Best Of” Issue

Spike Lee keeping his fro fresh.

2012: Lee attending this year’s Sundance Film Festival in Utah.

A young Sidney Poitier looking very handsome and distinguised.

2012: Poitier at the 69th Annual Golden Globes to honor Morgan Freeman with the Cecil B. DeMille Award.

A flawless headshot of a young Angela Bassett.

2012: Bassett gets caricatured at Broadway restaurant, Sardi’s.

Tootie! Kim Fields flashes her playful smile.

2012: Fields attends the 27th Annual Stellar Awards in Nashville, Tennessee.

The days of In Living Color: Kim Wayans.

2011: Wayans at the premiere of Pariah in New York.

Related: Kim Wayans And Adepero Oduye On ‘Pariah’ [VIDEO]
1989: New Style’s Treach, DJ Kay Gee and Vin Rock with their debut album “Independent Leaders.” You may know them better as Naughty By Nature.

2011: Naughty By Nature returned this week with a new album, “Anthem Inc.”

1992: SWV (Sisters With Voices) smashed the radio with their hit record “Weak.”

2011: SWV is also back with new music, they even made a remix to Chris Brown’s “She Ain’t You” this past summer.

1989: Morgan Freeman giving his famous speech in “Lean On Me.”

2011: Freeman attending the BAFTA Los Angeles Britannia Awards.

Related: Viola Davis, Idris Elba Grab Golden Globe Nominations
Can you guess this future talk show host?
2011: It’s Wendy Williams! She shows face at this year’s Glamour “Women of the Year.”

2003: Robin Thicke with a slightly different look than we’re familiar with.
2011: Thicke attending this year’s American Music Awards. His fifth studio album Love After War hit stores today.

Related: Hottest White Guys In The Game

1998: A fresh-faced Mya on set of her video “Best of Me.”
2011: Looking ageless, Mya attends “Cocktails & Conversations,” presented by Crown Royal Black.

Related: Cocktails & Conversations

1994: Kenan Thompson skates on to the scene as Russ in The Mighty Ducks.
2011: Thompson attends the UJA-Federation of New York’s Broadcast, Cable & Video Award Celebration.

Related: SNL Spoofs Herman Cain [VIDEO]

2000: Jill Scott makes her mark on the music industry with her debut Who is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1
2011: Scott looking flawless as she accepts her award for Best Female R&B/Soul Artist at this year’s Soul Train Awards.

Related: Jill Scott, Miguel Heated Over Grammy Nominations + Photos

Jada Pinkett Smith as “Stony”
2011: Pinkett on the move in New York City.

Queen Latifah as “Cleo”

2011: Latifah attending the 8th annual “Keep A Child Alive” Black Ball, hosted by Alicia Keys.

Vivica A. Fox as “Frankie”

2011: Fox looking stunning at BJ Coleman‘s 31st birthday celebration.

Kimberly Elise as “T.T.”
2011: Elise winning Outstanding Actress for her role in “For Colored Girls” at this year’s NAACP Image Awards.

Blair Underwood as “Keith Weston”

2011: Underwood attending this year’s NAACP Image Awards

1997: A bright, young Jurnee Smollett in 1997’s Eve’s Bayou.

2011: Smollett flawlessly walking the red carpet at this year’s Primetime Emmys.

Take a guess at this socialite in the making…

2011: Amber Rose, ex of Kanye West and next of rapper Wiz Khalifa, arrives at this years VH1 Critics Choice Movie Awards.

Late 80s: Lil Jon sits down for his high school picture. Times change.

2011: Yeaaaah!! Lil Jon looking like the Lil Jon we know.

A young Stevie Wonder after signing with Motown Records.

2011: Stevie Wonder attending this year’s NAAM show, with the same shining smile.

Early 90s: Tichina Arnold as the hilarious Pam in the Black classic “Martin.”

2011: Arnold looking just as beautiful at this year’s Black Girls Rock!

We met and fell in live with the Fresh Prince himself Will Smith, as the cool and confident teenager that had us laughing every week.

Will Smith looking buff and handsome on the set of “Men In Black 3.”

Carlton Banks kept us laughing as Will’s “little” sidekick.Alfonso Ribeiro with a date back in June at Katsuya Restaurant in Hollywood.

While her brains weren’t always there, Hilary Banks’ fashion was always on point.

Karyn Parsons now hosts “Mommy-In-Charge”, webisodes dedicated to giving advice on motherhood.

Ashley Banks, the cute and vibrant baby of the family…until Little Nicky comes around.
Tatyana Ali at the 2nd annual Black Girls Rock! where she received the “Young, Gifted & Black” honor.

Nicky Banks came towards the show’s end, but added just as much character as his cast mates.

Little Nicky, Ross Bagley, all grown up!

Vivian Banks (No. 1) kept the family in line in a fun, yet sassy way!

Janet Hubert-Whitten keeps busy with different roles, including an appearance on Tyler Perry‘s “House of Payne.”

Aunt Viv (No. 2) never quite lived up to our original, but she made due as the supporting wife to Phillip Banks.

Daphne Maxwell Reid was named Board of Visitors at Virginia State University in 2008.

Uncle Phil had a hot temper, but his intentions were always good.

James Avery keeps busy these days with various roles including his upcoming feature in “Valediction.”

We all wanted a butler as cool as G, Geoffry.
Joseph Marcell currently lives in Britain with his wife.

We always wanted Jazz back, no matter how many times Uncle Phil kicked him out.

DJ Jazzy Jeff still keeps the party going as he spins all around the country.

A young and gorgeous Aretha Franklin.

2011: Franklin performing at the Surprise Oprah! Farewell Spectacular in May.

We didn’t know him yet, but in a few short years Ne-Yo would take over the music scene.

2011: Ne-Yo at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards looking suave.Early 1990s: Keenen Ivory Wayans on the set of “In Living Color.”

2010: Wayans with girlfriend and actress Brittany Daniel at the premiere of “Skyline.”
2001: Beyonce‘s younger sister Solange at the Billboard Awards.
2011: Knowles killing the fashion game at an event for Rimmel London.

2006: Chris Brown fresh on the scene with his boyish looks.

2011: Brown proudly holding his trophy at this year’s BET Awards.

Related: Chris Brown & Laz Alonso Breakdance Together
1993: Tami Roman making her television debut on MTV’s “The Real World.”

2011: Roman, now of the “Basketball Wives: Miami” fame, attends this year’s BET Awards.

Related: Have A Seat: This Week’s Tomfoolery Top Five
A young Samuel L. Jackson. He just looks like he’s about to scream something.
2011: Jackson at the Spirit Awards.

And Guiness Book of World Records has just named him the highest-grossing actor of all-time– bringing in a reported $7.5 billion. Congratulations!

1990s: Onika Maraj in high school before she became…
2011: Nicki Minaj at the American Music Award nomination announcements. Minaj will be hosting this year with rapper Pitbull.

Related: Which Nicki Minaj Nail Color Fits Your Style?

1998: A young Serena Williams beaming– beads and all.

2010: Williams looking flawless as our June/July covergirl.

1991: Nia Long with Cuba Gooding Jr. in the Black classic “Boyz N The Hood.”

2011: A very pregnant Long posing for Ebony Magazine‘s November issue. The actress is due any day.

Late 1970s: Michelle Obama taking her high school picture at Whitney Young High School in Chicago.

2011: Michelle posing with the First Family’s dog, Bo, in her new White House photo.

1970s: Angela Davis rocking her famous ‘fro.

2011: Davis accepting her award at this year’s Black Girls Rock!

2005: A young and fresh Rihanna flashing her smile at the Teen People Awards.

2011: Rihanna has become quite the pop icon, shown here on her “Loud” world tour.
1980s: A young and suave Andre Harrell as part of the music duo Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde.

1993- Andre Harrell in Crain’s New York Business “40 Under 40” (CNYB)2011: Harrell sits down to talk to UPTOWN about new music, his new website and love in “The Luxe List.”

Watch it out here!

1980s: Sean Combs before he changed his name. Again. And again.

2011: Diddy attending this year’s Grammy Awards.

Related: The Life And Times Of Diddy The Diva

1994: A young Mary J. Blige covering “I’m Goin Down” as her career began to skyrocket!

2011: Blige posing for Elle Magazine‘s latest issue. Gorgeous!

1972: Tracee Ellis Ross as a newborn, being held by superstar & proud mama Diana Ross.

2011: Tracee Ellis Ross on the Red Carpet at the BET Awards in LA.

1984: Malcolm-Jamal Warner as “Theo” on The Cosby Show

2011: Malcolm-Jamal Warner stars as “Alex Reed” on BET’s Reed Between The Lines

90’s: Teenage LaLa Vazquez before her days as an MTV VJ

2011: LaLa Vazquez on the Red Carpet at a GUESS event.

Mid 2000s: Jennifer Hudson making an appearance on BET’s 106 & Park (BET Networks)
2011: Hudson at the opening of the Jennifer Hudson Weight Watcher’s Center in Chicago, IL (Getty Images)

Related: Jennifer Hudson Opens Weight Loss Center
1974: A fresh-faced Beverly Johnson on the cover of Vogue (Condé Nast)
2011: Johnson at Clive Davis’ Pre-Grammy Party (Getty Images)

1982: A young Denzel Washington playing Dr. Phillip Chandler on St. Elsewhere (NBC)
2011: Washington at The Boys and Girls Clubs of America’s new campaign launch (Wire Images)

Related: Stars Collide For Boys And Girls Clubs Campaign [PHOTOS]
2000: Musiq Soulchild on his debut album Aijuswanaseing (Def Soul)
2011: Musiq at this year’s Grammy Awards (Getty Images)

Related: Musiq That Matters

Late 1960s: A young Smokey Robinson early in his career (Archived Images)

2011: Robinson at the Summer TCA Tour (Getty Images)

Related: Beyonce Out, Jamie Foxx In For MJ Tribute

Mid 2000s: Aubrey “Drake” Graham playing Jimmy in the series Degrassi (Epitome Pictures)

2011: Drake attending this year’s BET Awards (Getty Images)

Related: Top 10 NBA Fails

1988: Laurence Fishburne playing Dap in Spike Lee‘s “School Daze” (Columbia Pictures)

2011: Fishburne at the 63rd annual Emmy Awards. He was nominated for Outstanding Male Lead Performance in a Miniseries or Movie for Thurgood. (Getty Images)

Mid 90s: Reagan Gomez-Preston as Zaria in the Black sitcom The Parent ‘Hood (Warner Bros.)

2011: Gomez at the 63rd annual Emmy Awards. She and the cast of The Cleveland Show were nominated for Outstanding Animated Program. (Picture Group)
1999: Sanaa Lathan (far upper left) playing Robin in the romantic comedy The Best Man, also starring Taye Diggs, Nia Long, Terrence Howard and Morris Chestnut. (Universal Pictures)
2011: Lathan at a Golden Globes afterparty (Getty Images)

1981: Loretta DeVine in the Broadway production Dreamgirls.

2011: DeVine at the 63rd annual Emmy Awards. She was nominated for Best Actress in Outstanding Guest Performance in a Drama Series for Grey’s Anatomy. (Getty Images)
1983: Eddie Murphy early in his career performing his stand-up routine “Delirious”. (Getty Images)
2011: Murphy attending Kevin Hart‘s Black Carpet Event in Los Angeles (Pacific Coast News)

Early 80s: 50 Cent poses for a school picture. (Yearbook Library)
2011: 50 Cent attending the Art Of Elysium “Heaven” Gala (Getty Images)

1987: Heavy D & The Boyz taking a flick (Getty Images)

2011: Heavy D making a comeback with his single “I Can’t”, featuring Anthony Hamilton (Universal Records)

1991: Jada Pinkett Smith playing Lena James on A Different World (NBC)

2011: Jada supporting Jay-Z and Kanye West at the “Watch The Throne” listening party (Getty Images)

90s: A young Kim Kardashian in high school (Yearbook Library)

2011: Kardashian at the Kids’ Choice Awards (Getty Images)
Boris Kodjoe looking young and handsome early in his career (Wire Images)
2011: Kodjoe not looking a day older, at this year’s BET Awards (Getty Images)
1993: Dancehall Queen Patra for her debut album Queen of the Pack (Epic Records)
2011: Patra making an appearance at an event in New York to honor Essence Editor-in-chief Emil (Getty Images)

The kid Dwyane Wade taking his annual school picture. What a cutie! (Getty Images)
2011: Wade looking suave at a T-Mobile event earlier this year (Getty Images)
90s: A rare picture of Lil Wayne before the international fame (Yearbook Library)
2011: Lil Wayne at this year’s Grammy Awards in February (Getty Images)

1981: A star was born– Beyoncé! (Getty Images)

1995: Beyoncé poses for her high school yearbook picture. In a few short years, she would be posing on red carpets all around the world! (Getty Images)

2011: Beyoncé at the Glastonbury Music Festival. In the show’s history, Knowles is the first female performer to ever headline. (Getty Images)
Early 90’s: Trey Songz flashes a cute smile. (Wire Images)

2005: Songz prepares for his first album, I Gotta Make It. (Getty Images)

2011: Songz flashes that same cute, but sexier, smile that makes the girls go crazy! He’s shown here at the FiFi Awards in May. (Getty Images)

1990: Singer-songwriter Lenny Kravitz with then wife, Lisa Bonet (Wire Images)
2011: As our Style Issue cover guy, Kravitz shows that he’s still got it! (Uptown Magazine)

1985: R&B singer Freddie Jackson on the cover for his single “Rock Me Tonight” (Capitol Records)

2011: Jackson shown with pop singer Alex Young at the Living Legends Gala (Getty Images)

Mid 1980’s: A young Lisa Lisa (of Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam) just starting out (Columbia Records)

2008: Lisa Lisa on the BET Awards red carpet (Getty Images)

1988: J.J. Fad looking young, fresh and hip (The Source Archives)

2008: JD, Sassy C and Baby D at a VH1 photo shoot (Courtesy JJ Fad)

The cast of “Good Times“! (1974-1979)

Mid-1970s- Jimmie Walker playing dy-no-mite “J.J.” Evans (CBS)

Walker making a late night appearance in 2010.(AP)

Mid 1970’s- John Amos as the father figure, James Evans, Sr. (CBS)

Amos performing in “Halley’s Comet” in Cincinnati, OH in 2011. (Cincinnati Herald)

Mid 1970’s- Ja’net DuBois as the sassy Willona Woods (CBS)

2006- DuBois pictured with Norm Lear (producer of “Good Times”) at the TV Land Awards (Getty Images)

Mid 1970’s- Ralph Carter as “Midget Militant” Michael Evans (CBS)

2009- Carter all grown up! (Wireimages.com)

Mid 1970’s- Bern Nadette Stanis as sassy, fly Thelma Evans (CBS)

2010- Stanis posing at the BET Awards (via BET)

Mid 1970’s- Esther Rolle as Florida Evans (CBS)
Rolle before her death in 1998 (Getty Images)

Mid 1970’s- Johnny Brown playing “Bookman (aka Booger)” (CBS)

2009- Brown’s still getting around! (Getty Images)

Mid 1970’s- What a cutie! Janet Jackson playing a young “Penny” Woods (CBS)

2011- Jackson at amfAR’s Cinema Against AIDS Gala (FlynetPictures.com)

1991- Boyz II Men on their debut album cover “Cooleyhighharmony” (Motown Records)

2011- The group is back with a new album, Twenty, due in the fall (The Chamber Group/Randee St. Nicholas)

1988- J.Lo in high school, before her days as a “fly girl” on In Living Color.

2011- Jennifer Lopez on the red carpet at the Golden Globe Awards. (Getty Images)

1991- Toni Tony Tone posing for their hit single “Whatever You Want”.

The trio is still at it! (Getty Images)

Early 90s- SWV in their earlier days.

2008- SWV performing at the BET Awards (via BET)

2004- Ciara at the World Music Awards (Photorazzi)

2011- Ciara at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Gala (Bauer Griffin)

1995- Monica with her debut album Miss Thang (Arista)

2011- Monica at Clive Davis’ Pre-Grammy Gala & Salute to David Geffen (Getty Images)

Early 90s- The young and beautiful En Vogue

2011- En Vogue at the 6th Annual Jazz in the Gardens Festival (Getty Images)

1989- Oprah Winfrey at the 9th Annual Conference for Women (Wireimages.com)

2011- The Oprah Winfrey Show’s finale after 25 years (AP)

1992- Will Smith at the 34th Annual Grammy Awards (Getty Images)

2011- Smith at Jay-Z’s Gucci & Roc Nation Pre-Grammy Brunch (Wireimages.com)

1990- Young Raven-Symoné as Olivia on The Cosby Show (via BET)

2011- Symoné at the People’s Choice Awards (Getty Images)

Early 90s- Michael Jordan leading the Chicago Bulls (AP)

2011- Jordan practicing with the Charlotte Bobcats (via Charlotte Bobcats)

1992- Omar Epps as Q in the hood classic, Juice (Paramount Pictures)

2011- Epps at Fox TV’s TCA All-Star Party (Getty Images)

2001- Destiny’s Child Survivor album (Columbia Records)

2011- Michelle Williams at this year’s Billboard Awards (Getty Images)

2011- Kelly Rowland at this year’s BET Awards (Essence.com)

2011- Beyoncé Knowles performing on Good Morning America (Reuters)

1985- Sade in Powerplant Studios (Redferns)

2010- Sade at “Keep a Child Alive” Black Ball (Getty Images)

1993- Toni Braxton’s solo debut album (LaFace Records)

2011- Braxton at Clive Davis’ Pre-Grammy Party (Bauer Griffin)

Late 80s- A Tribe Called Quest (via BET)

2011- Quest performing at “Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest” (Getty Images)

1993- Ice Cube in “It Was a Good Day” video

2011- Ice Cube at the 16th Annual Critic’s Choice Movie Awards (Getty Images)

1984- The cast of The Cosby Show (NBC)

2011- Bill Cosby (Cliff Huxtable) at the 9th Annual TV Land Awards (Getty Images)

2011- Phylicia Rashad (Clair Huxtable) at the 42nd Annual NAACP Image Awards (Getty Images)

2011- Keshia Knight-Pulliam’s (Rudy Huxtable) photo shoot for Rolling Out Magazine (Rolling Out)

2011- Tempestt Bledsoe (Vanessa Huxtable) at the TCA Winter Cable Press Tour (PR Photos)

2011- Lisa Bonet (Denise Huxtable) shown with Tyler Perry at CinemaCon (Wireimages.com)

2011- Malcolm-Jamal Warner (Theo Huxtable) at this year’s BET Awards (Getty Images)

1995- Stacey Dash as Dionne in Clueless (Paramount Pictures)

2010- Dash at Vanity Fair’s Oscar Party hosted by Graydon Carter (Getty Images)

1984- Vanessa Williams, winner of Miss America (AP)

2011- Williams at InStyle/Warner Bros. Golden Globes Party (Getty Images)

1997- Star Jones with the original cast of The View (courtesty of ABC)

2011- Jones at the Tribeca Film Festival (Getty Images)

Early 80s- A young LL Cool J can’t live without his radio.

2011- LL at CBS Upfront at the Lincoln Center (PacificCoastNews.com)

Then- Roxanne Shanté cold rocked the party. (Michael Ochs Archives)

Now- Shanté still just as fierce! (Getty Images)

1989- Queen Latifah doing promo for All Hail the Queen (Getty Images)

2011- Latifah at the nominations for this year’s People’s Choice Awards (Bauer Griffin)

1990- Lark Voorhies as Lisa Turtle in Saved By the Bell (AP)
2010- Voorhies at MH+L Magazine’s Issue 2 Release Party (PR Photos)

Then- A young MC Lyte “I tell all of you like I told all of them, what you say to me is just paper thin.” (via Black Voices)

2011- MC Lyte at this year’s BET Awards (via BET)

Then- Kid N Play in their younger days (AP)
2010- Kid N Play doing the Kid-n-Play at the TAA Kick-Off Event at the Tribeca Film Festival (Getty Images)