Hollywood is heating up, and the “Bad Boys of Hollywood,” Robert Lawrence and John West Jr., are at the center of the storm. Their newest project, Smoke Reloaded, promises a high-octane, action-packed thrill ride that already has the industry buzzing.
A Legacy of Hollywood Excellence
Robert Lawrence isn’t just any producer — he’s the older brother of comedy legend Martin Lawrence (Martin, Bad Boys) and a behind-the-scenes powerhouse who’s been navigating the entertainment world for decades. His longtime friend and business partner, John West Jr., was first introduced to Hollywood audiences with a couple of breakout appearances on Martin. Since then, West’s career has been on a steady rise, landing roles in iconic series like New York Undercover, Southland, Empire, and films like Waist Deep.
Beyond acting, West made history by independently filming, directing, and distributing his own movie (BARBQ) in theaters nationwide — way before the days of social media and digital marketing.
Introducing Smoke Reloaded
Now, Robert Lawrence and john West (@westjohn_ent) are back at it, and their latest project is turning serious heads. Smoke Reloaded is a gritty, adrenaline-fueled story about five female police officers who turn rogue, launching a violent, high-stakes robbery spree that puts the entire country on high alert — with the intensity of the infamous O.J. Simpson chase. And these women aren’t just dangerous — they’re lethal, operating under a “no witnesses” policy.
The five stars leading the chaos in Smoke Reloaded are:
- Karla Monay Shaw (@karlamonayis) from Chicago, IL
- Candice “SiSi” Bennett (@sisi_the_great_2) from New York
- Paris Taylor (@thimslick_mz.paris) from New York via Jamaica
- Quanita A. Smith (@unodarkandlovely71) from Toledo, Ohio
- Dalisha Taylor (@melanin_perfection34) from Cleveland, Ohio
The Vision Behind the Camera
But it’s not just Robert Lawrence and John West vision bringing this project to life. Directing the action is Segrin Phillips (@sogorillafilmsmedia), a self-taught filmmaker and editing wizard who’s building a major reputation for delivering Hollywood-level quality with indie budgets. Phillips and West have collaborated on a number of East Coast projects, and their chemistry is undeniable. West describes Phillips not just as a creative partner, but as a true friend — someone loyal to the vision and committed to the art.
Phillips’ previous films, including Lust and the Miami-set action-drama Exotic (currently making waves on Tubi), prove that he’s a force to be reckoned with — and rumors suggest a sequel to Exotic could be in the works.
The Talent Behind the Script
The screenplay for Smoke Reloaded gets its firepower from author and screenwriter Latrena Mitchell (@latrena.mitchell), whose books are already top sellers on Amazon. West and Mitchell have a strong working relationship, collaborating on multiple projects, and it’s clear Mitchell’s sharp storytelling is making Hollywood take notice. She’s also involved in a major upcoming project with TV veteran Charnele Brown (A Different World).
The Humble Cast: No Room for Ego
One thing that sets West and Lawrence apart is their commitment to working with serious, humble talent — people who love the craft, not just the spotlight. West says he’s learned to separate the truly dedicated from the ones just chasing fame, and Smoke Reloaded features a carefully selected, hard-working cast:
- Marco Gonzalez (@marcogonzalezforeal)
- DJ Hershey (@iamcoredjhershey)
- Deoineta Hightower (@project_nut929)
- Charles Jackson (@atl_fathead)
- Demarcus Jackson (@real__demarcus)
- Razsa (@actress_razsa)
- Tiffani Michele (@iamtiffanimichele)
- NIA (@stardancer66)
- Ceddy J (@ceddyjdusk)
- Mark Speaks Jr. (@markspeaksjr)
- Kendra Johnson (@ke.scorpion)
- Nicole Gregory (@iam.nicolegregory)
- Dai’Yanni Davis (@itsyannifytb_)
- Evette Williams (@blisspleasures)
Looking to the Future
With Smoke Reloaded leading the way — and multiple other projects in development — Lawrence and West are getting ready to take audiences on an unforgettable ride. Buckle up: the “Bad Boys of Hollywood” are just getting started.
