by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 14, 2024

How Def Jam Chairman/CEO Tunji Balogun Plans To Turn Iconic Label Into The Destination For ‘Global Black Music’

Def Jam Chairman/CEO Tunji Balogun plans to turn the iconic label into the premiere destination for "global Black music."

Def Jam Chairman/CEO Tunji Balogun is laying out his big plans for the future of the iconic record label and how he will turn it into the premiere destination for “global Black music.”

Balogun is on a mission to continue Def Jam’s legacy by revising its image and reshaping its future. Since taking on the role of Chairman/CEO in January 2022, Balogun has been behind the reworking of the label’s roster, signing notable acts like Coco Jones, Muni Long, and Armani White, Billboard reported.

However, it was no easy feat as Balogun joined the label at a time when there were “a lot of question marks” around its future. Def Jam had faced five years of nonstop disruption that started with the label’s founder Russell Simmons stepping down in 2017 after he was publicly accused of sexual assault by multiple women; allegations he denies.

When Balogun came on board, he knew his main focus had to be on bringing balance to the legendary label known for its role in the growth of hip-hop and for breaking big acts like LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Jay-Z, Rihanna, and many more. Balogun came with a reputable résumé, having worked with significant acts like Kendrick Lamar, Khalid, Normani, and H.E.R. but joined a label that was on the decline.

At the close of 2023, Def Jam’s market share was at 0.65%. It followed a three-year decline in market share prior to Balogun’s arrival. Now with the Nigerian American steering the ship, he has his eye on global expansion, with a roster of talent that represents the world. Along with Muni Long, Coco Jones, and Armani White, Balogun has also signed Dancehall hitmaker Masicka and Afrobeats stars Adekunle Gold and Odumodublvck (in partnership with Native Records).

With a focus on truly nurturing Def Jam artists while continuing to usher in the next generation of talent, Balogun is putting artist development back at the forefront of breaking new music acts. With Def Jam celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Balogun is confident that his ambitious plans for the label will solidify its respect and prestige in a constantly evolving music industry.

NBA Champion Dwyane Wade, Trans Youth, LGBTQ+ Advocacy

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 14, 2024

Dwyane Wade Admits Taking Several Years To Learn How To Manage Money

"To be able to know what to do, you have to be with people who are on the level that you’re on. And I didn’t do that," Wade admitted.

Though Miami Heat basketball legend Dwyane Wade had a successful playing career and is now thriving as an entrepreneur, he said it took him several years to learn how to manage his money.

According to CNBC Make It, Wade said that with the significant sums of money young athletes are earning today, he hopes they have someone knowledgeable about financial management in their corner. He recalled that when he first entered the league, it took him over five years “to even start to understand” how to manage his millions.

“I came into the league as someone who had never really handled more than $500 at a time, and [suddenly] I’m making millions of dollars,” Wade told CNBC Make It while promoting a partnership with Google Workspace. “It’s not that I didn’t have good people around me. It’s that no one was making the level of money that I was making. To be able to know what to do, you have to be with people who are on the level that you’re on. And I didn’t do that.”

Wade, 42, admitted he was too proud to ask for help at the onset of his playing career, making the type of money he was making as a first-round draft pick and young NBA superstar. When he did get the necessary financial advice, he still did not know what was being told to him. He said he didn’t know if he even knew how to listen.

“You don’t want people to think less of you because you don’t know something like how much money you have or what to do with your money,” he said.

However, he expressed his hope that the newer professional athletes are receiving the necessary guidance from the leagues to help them make informed financial decisions and manage their money wisely.

RELATED CONTENT: Dwyane Wade Cuts Ties With Jordan Brand

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Actor, Hip-Hop, kendrick Lamar, drake, battle, beef, rap

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 14, 2024

Malcolm-Jamal Warner Wants Balance In Hip-Hop

"Our music is not reflecting of positivity, love, and upliftment of our culture. So much of our Black music is anti-Black," Warner said.

The recent Kendrick Lamar and Drake beef has been part of the national conversation for days. So when the TMZ cameras caught up with The Cosby Show alum Malcolm-Jamal Warner, he gave his thoughts about the battle and the perception of what it does to the hip-hop culture.

When the topic was brought up, the TMZ cameraperson asked Warner, who also starred on the popular sitcom Malcolm & Eddie, if he thought the mud-slinging between the two hip-hop heavyweights was detrimental to the genre. He responded that the bad elements of the culture have been normalized, even with rappers calling each other the N-word and the subject matter that appears in a lot of rap songs tends to cater to either “murkin’” somebody, selling and/or taking drugs, and misogyny.

The actor said, “It’s been normalized for us to call ourselves the N-word. We like to talk about how we’ve taken the power of that word back. I’m of the school of thought that if I am trying to speak love and upliftment to my brother, why am I going to borrow a word from people who hate me?”

He added, “Our music is not reflecting of positivity, love, and upliftment of our culture. So much of our Black music is anti-Black.”

Warner ended by pointing out that the music could have a balance to it and not be negative most of the time. He blames the media for focusing on the ignorant side of hip-hop. He said that attention should be given to music that is being played in underground circles that is dope and promotes positivity and is not viewed in such a negative way.

He added that Black music needs the balance away from the stereotypical music we listen to today.

RELATED CONTENT: Drake’s Security Guard Shot At Toronto Home

Registered Nurse, 69-Year-Old Grandmother , Career, Hospital, Doctor

by Stacy Jackson

May 14, 2024

69-Year-Old Grandmother Fulfills Lifelong Dream By Becoming A Registered Nurse

The Georgia grandmother leaned on her family and colleagues for support.

An Albany, Georgia, grandmother named Loretta Mack, 69, has fulfilled a lifelong ambition by becoming a registered nurse.

“I did it,” Mack told WALB News.

Having worked as a certified nursing assistant for six years, Mack’s journey toward becoming an RN didn’t come without its challenges. However, she persevered, driven by her love for people and the desire to take care of them. Mack believed that assuming the role of a registered nurse would allow her to be “a great example” for others.

Encouraged by a resource nurse, Mack embarked on her dream of becoming an RN, surrounded by a supportive village. Travel nurse Heather Jackson extended her contract to serve as Mack’s preceptor nurse. She was drawn to Mack’s kind spirit and fun-loving personality. “[Loretta] doesn’t just come in and blow through your room,” Jackson told the outlet. “If there’s something that needs to be done, she’s going to do it. [Loretta’s] going to make sure that you’re clean, that you’re fed, that you’re taken care of, and she will sit and talk to you, too.”

Mack’s family also played a crucial role in her support system throughout her journey to achieving her dream. “From my sister, from my grandson Ramondo, from my grandson Julian. Everybody helped me,” she said. Mack also acknowledged the doctors who took the time to assist her with practice tests and homework. “It was like everyone was waiting for Loretta to finish school,” she said.

The long-awaited accomplishment has filled the nurse with encouragement, which she will now extends to others.

“Age is just a number. I don’t know who thought of that, but it’s just a number. I feel that at any age, you can do whatever you set your mind to do. If you really want to do it, you can do it,” Mack said

student loan forgiveness, fresh start program, idk, forgiveness, Connecticut student loans

by Kemberley Washington, CPA

May 14, 2024

Just Graduated College? It’s Time To Tackle Your Student Loans

Student loan debt is now more than $1 trillion and continues to rise. For many younger Americans, it has become the largest household debt.

Originally Published June 18, 2018.

Student loan debt for many recent college graduates is becoming the norm. Student loan debt is now more than $1 trillion and continues to rise. For many younger Americans, it has become the largest household debt.

A Federal Reserve Bank of Michigan report states that 30% of all Black student borrowers default on their student loans after entering college. This is true even of students who earned a bachelor’s degree, including 75% of borrowers who dropped out of for-profit colleges.

Although the statistics are grim, you don’t have to become a statistic. Being informed and proactive can help you manage your loans and create wealth for life as you embark on your career journey.

The First 3 Things to Know About Student Loan Debt

Forgiveness programs

The Department of Education offers forgiveness programs to help borrowers with student loan debt. These programs include the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and the Teacher Loan Forgiveness (TLF) programs, both of which are designed to alleviate the student loan burden.

The PSLF program is available to borrowers who work full-time in public service jobs. Federal, state, and local government jobs qualify (including certain nonprofit employers), as do jobs with tax-exempt nonprofits. Borrowers must make 120 qualified payments before they are eligible for forgiveness of the remaining loan balance. The TLF program is available to teachers who teach full-time for five complete and consecutive years at certain elementary and secondary schools, and other qualified educational institutions that serve low-income individuals. To determine if the school you teach at qualifies, visit the Teacher Cancellation Low-Income Directory.

Get an understanding

After graduating, get an understanding of your student loan providers. If you are unsure who holds your student loans, visit the US Department of Education’s website. This will guide you in determining the next steps to better manage your student loans. In addition, also consider Sallie Mae’s Manage Your Loan portal. This provides borrowers with various tools to manage payments, apply for deferments, and additional tools to get a handle on their loans.

Payment options

Generally, borrowers are not responsible for payments until six months after graduation. If, at that time, you are having difficulties making payments, contact your loan provider as soon as possible. Borrowers may be able to request a deferment or forbearance, which allows users to postpone payments until a later date. Keep in mind that the main difference between a deferment and forbearance is that you may not be responsible for making interest payments with a deferment (there are some exceptions). Either way, keeping your provider in the loop is a good idea. Doing so can protect your credit and provide payment options to tackle your student loan debt.

—Stacy Tisdale and Robin White Goode contributed to this article.

Keke Palmer, webby, awards, Tyler Perry,

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 14, 2024

Keke Palmer, Shannon Sharpe, And More Hit The Stage To Accept Their Webby Awards

Keke Palmer, Shannon Sharpe, Jerrod Carmichael, and more take home big honors at 28th annual Webby Awards.

The 28th annual Webby Awards took place on Monday, May 13, where Keke Palmer, Shannon Sharpe, Jerrod Carmichael, and more hit the stage to accept their accolades.

A few of the year’s top internet personalities, visionaries, and activists attended the star-studded ceremony at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City where Palmer, Sharpe, Carmichael, Laverne Cox, and many more took home big honors. The event was hosted by “Late Night with Seth Meyers” writer Amber Ruffin who brought the funny with her opening monologue, nightlong jokes, and spoof of Meatloaf’s classic song “I’d Do Anything for Love.”

“Tonight we’ll be honoring the best in websites, apps, podcasts, games, and branded entertainment. Basically, we are honoring all the best ways to procrastinate,” Ruffin jokingly told the crowd.

Her take on Meatloaf’s classic 1993 ballad comedically sent a farewell to the people, places, and things that have become “obsolete or uncool,” like Tesla Cybertrucks, Truth Social, NFTs, and rapper Drake. Palmer looked stunning in a cream-colored corset with a matching satin skirt. She was present to accept her Webby Special Achievement Award for the success of her platforms “Baby, This Is Keke Palmer” and KeyTV.

“I’m blessed to do this,” Palmer said during her speech.

President of the NAACP, Derrick Johnson, presented Sharpe with the Webby Advocate of the Year Award and applauded the NFL champion for his impact on sports commentary, advocacy, and the success of his “Club Shay Shay” podcast.

“No one is requiring him to give back to the world. But Shannon does so because he requires himself to do so,” Johnson said.

Comedian Lil Rel Howery presented Carmichael with the Webby Outstanding Comedic Performance Award. The “Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show” star accepted the award while telling the audience to “risk everything every time.”

Actress and activist Laverne Cox moved the audience with her acceptance speech for the Webby Award for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Podcasts. She credited “The Laverne Cox Show” for being “Healing, collective trauma, necessary, possible.”

The full list of Webby Award winners can be found HERE.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 14, 2024

Michigan Woman Discovered Living On Roof Of Supermarket

"There was some flooring that was laid down. A mini desk, her clothing, a Keurig coffee maker, a printer, and a computer—things you’d have in your home."

A Michigan woman found a way to live rent-free. According to NBC News, police officers in Midland were notified by contractors that a woman had made herself a home in the small space of a local supermarket’s store sign on top of the roof. The contractors saw her on April 23. Police officers said she was living there for about a year.

In her “home,” she had flooring, a computer, a desk, a printer, a Keurig coffee maker, and a food pantry, said Brennon Warren, a spokesperson for the Midland Police Department. The space was reported to be 10 to 15 feet long, 5 feet wide, and approximately 8 feet tall.

The woman left but police officers did not charge her for being in the space. Police did not identify the woman.

“We made contact with her and she was advised she was not allowed to live there,” Warren said. “She was formally trespassed from the store and was provided with information on services within our area, however, she did not wish for any of those.”

The Associated Press identified the store as a Family Fare located about 130 miles north of Detroit.

The woman told police that although she was homeless, she did have a job. She was able to obtain electricity using a power cord that was plugged into an outlet on top of the Family Fare roof, Warren said.

Before the woman left the scene, “we provided her with some information about services in the area,” Warren added. “She apologized and continued on her way. Where she went from there, I don’t know.”

According to MLive, days after the woman was discovered, “the supermarket chain made a $10,000 donation to Midland’s Open Door crisis shelters and soup kitchen.”

Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Fans , 'Damn' Album, Rap

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 14, 2024

Kendrick Lamar’s Album, ‘Damn,’ Soars On Billboard Charts Amid Lyrical Battle With Drake

Lamar's 2017 album has reached Top 40 status on the Top Streaming Albums chart with a recent entry at No. 36 from previous high of No. 44.

Many hip-hop fans have claimed K endrick Lamar as the winner amid his lyrical battle with Drake. But who is winning on the Billboard charts?

According to Forbes, since the two recording artists traded barbs with each other, the fans have been tuning in over the war of words and taking their interest to the music charts. Music fans have been listening to more Lamar songs over the course and in the aftermath of the lyrical sword fight. Sales and streaming numbers for the “Humble” lyricist have increased and set a new high on a Billboard chart for one of his previous albums.

On a new chart that Billboard recently introduced, Lamar’s 2017 album, “Damn” has reached new heights on the current week’s Top Streaming Albums chart. The chart is a weekly ranking of the country’s most-streamed full-length albums.

The album came in at No. 36, up from its previous high on the charts at No. 44, making the album a Top 40 entry. Lamar had another project, “Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City,” released in 2012 on the list at 47 before the “Damn” album moved its way past that entry.

“Damn” also jumped up on the Billboard 200 chart by elevating from No. 49 to No. 41. The numbers went up almost 6% when it moved an additional 18,370 equivalent units, according to Luminate. But, that’s not all. The album returned to the top 10 of the Top Rap Albums chart when it rose from No. 14 to No. 9, while also moving up on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums list when it jumped from No. 19 to No. 12.

Apparently, the battle may be officially over, according to XXL.

In an Instagram Story entry by Drake, he wrote, “Good times. Summer vibes up next” possibly eluding to him bowing out to maybe work on the next project.

Drake via IG 👀

“Good times. Summer vibes up next.” pic.twitter.com/80dtcLWbBr

— NFR Podcast (@nfr_podcast) May 12, 2024

Also, a post on X by Top Dawg Entertainment, the label that released Lamar’s previous projects, called the battle over while promising a celebration of 20 years of TDE.

This battle is over. A win for the culture, while keeping it all on wax. Especially when these publications try to make it something else. We proved them wrong. That’s a victory within itself. On another note, it’s time to wrap up this TDE 20yr anniversary compilation.

— TOP DAWG #TDE (@dangerookipawaa) May 11, 2024

by Black Enterprise

May 14, 2024

4 Ideas To Choose The Perfect Company Name

Here are tips on choosing the perfect name for your business and your brand.

Originally Published June 16, 2016.

When choosing a company name, you want it to be creative and different—but don’t forget to make it simple as well. Too often, people name their companies thinking only about what they want it to be called, rather than considering how potential clients will receive it. Remember, the name of your company is the first impression of your brand. As the founder of a public relations agency, here are my top tips on choosing the perfect name for your business and your brand:

Make It Easy for Them to Find You

Honoring your grandmother or another relative in a company name is sweet and meaningful to you, but it could confuse your clients. If your company includes a name that is not your own, clients will always think you are someone else, no matter how much time and money you spend on PR or advertising. I have had many clients with company names that don’t match their own, and I often find myself starting to type an email to them using the wrong name—and I know them personally! If name confusion happens to someone they work closely with, imagine how often they’ll be called the wrong name by new and potential clients.

Convey What Your Company Does

Make it easy for potential clients to recognize the service that you offer or the products you sell. While there may be a personal story or an inside joke that led to the creation of your company name, clients do not know that!

Be Unique and Memorable

You want the name to stick out in your clients’ minds to ensure that they will remember you in the future. Be different, but not too different. A distinct company name will help you and your business, but a name that is different to the point of strangeness will turn clients off. Don’t get too creative with spelling, either. People will spell your company name the way that makes sense to them when researching online. Keep in mind that your company name is your domain, which is also typically your email address. Choose an easily spelled name and save your colleagues and clients the frustration of bounce backs and lost emails.

Pick a Name That Feels Right to You

My company began when I saw the need for wedding PR in my industry. I was so inspired that I came up with the concept of launching the first wedding PR firm to represent wedding businesses. Literally, being “inspired” helped me come up with my name. I wanted it to be something people could feel after they read the name, visited my website, and followed my social media accounts, so it was fitting to name my company Be Inspired PR.

Intention is important when choosing your company name. It will dictate how you are searched, referenced, and remembered. If you think your company name isn’t working for you, don’t be afraid to make a change. A bad name will hurt your business more than rebranding with a new name, so make the switch now to maximize sales and grow your brand as quickly as possible.

Written by Leila (Khalil) Lewis’ for BusinessCollective

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 14, 2024

Law Roach Name-Drops Designers That Wouldn’t Style Zendaya

Law Roach has styled Zendaya since the dynamic duo met in 2011.

Law Roach revealed what designers he and muse Zendaya will not work with. The stylist exposed the fashion houses that refused to style the actress early in her career.

Roach shared the details in a new interview with The Cutting Room Floor podcast. He relayed how some high-profile clothing brands would decline the opportunity to dress the young star. He claimed the “big five” companies thought Zendaya was too “green” in Hollywood to receive outfits.

“I would write the big five,” said Roach, as reported by Variety. “I would write Saint Laurent, Chanel, Gucci, Valentino, Dior, and they would all say, ‘No, try again next year. She’s too green. She’s not on our calendar.”

Zendaya rose to fame following her starring role in HBO’s Euphoria. Since then, her meteoric rise in Hollywood and fashion led to two Emmy wins for Best Actress and a co-chair position at this year’s Met Gala.

Roach continued, “I still have the receipts. By the time she got to [the cover of] American Vogue [in 2017], she still had never worn any of those designers. She still hasn’t.”

While she has not donned any of those brands’ looks on the red carpet, she has worn them at photo shoots. However, Roach thinks she will steer clear of making her carpet debut with them for a while. According to the famed stylist, one “no” is enough.

“She still has never worn Dior on a carpet. She still has never worn Chanel on a carpet…still never worn Gucci on a carpet — any press, any appearance, never. Never,” explained the 45-year-old. “The first time she wore Valentino in public is when she had a contract…When I said, ‘If you say no, it’ll be a no forever,’ that rang true for a long, long time.”

Despite the hard stance, Zendaya and Roach continue to make waves in fashion. The duo are also rising in their respective careers as they push out new looks together. While Roach has styled Zendaya during her newest films’, Dune and Challengers, press tours, he also will co-host E!’s OMG Fashun with Julia Fox. The fashion competitive series debuted on May 6.