Swishahouse Co-Founder Michael ‘5000’ Watts Dies At 52, Leaving Lasting Legacy In Houston Hip-Hop
Watts died after developing torsades de pointes, a rare and dangerous heart rhythm that can cause sudden cardiac death.
By Robert Hill
Fifty-two-year-old Houston hip-hop legend and Swishahouse co-founder Michael Watts, known as “5000 Watts,” died Jan. 30.
On Jan. 28, Watts was hospitalized due to severe health conditions. He soon passed after developing torsades de pointes, which is a dangerous and rare abnormal heart rhythm, and that this condition led to his sudden cardiac death.
Watts was a respected Houston native who contributed to the city’s hip-hop identity. He co-founded the independent record label Swishahouse with DJ OG Ron C and G Dash, designing a platform that amplified Southern rap and gave local artists national exposure.
Local artists who attribute their success to Swishahouse include Paul Wall, Mike Jones, Slim Thug, and Chamillionaire.
Swishahouse was founded in 1997 and became a bedrock of the Houston hip-hop movement. Watts was credited with popularizing chopped-and-screwed music. The label played a pivotal role in uplifting Houston’s sound.
Watts had many other talents, especially with the turntables. TheGrio reported his star moment: “Watts’ biggest moment on the national scene came in 2004, going into 2005 with the single release of ‘Still Tippin,’ from Slim Thug, Paul Wall and Mike Jones. Watts can be seen early in the song’s music video behind the turntables, steering a classic song into a classic movement for Houston and the South in general.”
Watts was also a radio personality, serving as a late-night host on Houston’s 97.5 The Box, where he played his mixtapes. He demonstrated dedication to the Houston community by using his talents to gain exposure for artists in his hometown’s music industry.
Many tributes have appeared across social media following his death, with fans and members of the Houston hip-hop community commemorating his impact on the culture.
Watts leaves behind his wife, Tammie Watts, five children, and two grandchildren.
Ex-NFL Star Tyrann Mathieu Drank Bleach In Attempt to Beat College Drug Test
"I done tried everything in the books."
On a recent episode of his In the Bayou podcast, former NFL safety Tyrann Mathieu admitted to using several methods while playing at Louisiana State University to pass his drug tests—including, yes, drinking bleach.
“I done tried everything in the books,” Mathieu said. He admitted that he even used other people’s urine and a fake penis.
None, though, seemed to have the effects of drinking something found in laundry rooms and under kitchen sinks from coast to coast.
“I remember one time, to tell you a funny story, not funny, I could have died, but a couple tests before I realized they were gonna kick me out of school, I’m sitting in a circle, and I’m on Google trying to figure out, ‘Man, how the f**k do I pass this test?’ These folks keep threatening me, right?
“I’m just scrolling, and I come across some s**t that said just put some bleach in the top,” Mathieu continued. “Put a little bleach in the top, and put it in your Coca-Cola. And so I did that, and I’m like, ‘Yo, what the f**k.’ It felt like my whole insides were just like erupting. I end up throwing that s**t up, and at that point I’m like, ‘F**k it, I’ve run out of tricks.’”
There was a reason Mathieu was trying to beat the drug test.
At LSU in 2011, according to Apple News, he was suspended for one game. A year later, he was dismissed after multiple test failures and entered a drug rehabilitation program in Houston. He did overcome his drug issues, despite an arrest for marijuana possession following his dismissal.
Things worked out for Mathieu. A third-round draft pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the “Honey Badger” retired in 2024 as a three-time All-Pro selection and a three-time Pro Bowler. He played the Arizona Cardinals, the Houston Texans, the Kansas City Chiefs (where he won a Super Bowl in 2020), and the New Orleans Saints.
Government Grinds To A Halt After Funding Deal Stalls In House, Triggering Partial U.S. Shutdown
Federal agencies furlough workers as lawmakers clash over ICE and budget priorities, with DHS receiving only temporary funding.
A partial shutdown of the U.S. federal government took effect on Jan. 31 after Congress failed to fully approve a last-minute funding agreement, forcing dozens of agencies to halt routine operations and furlough workers nationwide.
The funding lapse began at midnight Eastern time after the Senate approved a stopgap bill to keep most federal agencies operating through September. The measure, however, provides only two weeks of funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees immigration enforcement, rather than extending its budget for the remainder of the fiscal year. The House of Representatives has not yet voted on the bill and remains out of session, leaving parts of the government without authorization to spend.
As a result, nonessential federal offices closed immediately, while employees designated as “essential” were ordered to continue working without pay until lawmakers reach a final agreement. The White House confirmed that several departments, including transportation, education, and defense, had been instructed to carry out shutdown procedures.
“Employees should report to work for their next regularly scheduled tour of duty to undertake orderly shutdown activities,” a White House memo stated. “It is our hope that this lapse will be short.”
President Donald Trump urged House Republicans, who hold a majority, to approve the Senate-passed deal. The compromise followed tense negotiations with Democrats, who declined to support broader immigration funding after the fatal shooting of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis by federal agents earlier this month.
The shutdown highlights unresolved disputes over immigration enforcement, federal oversight and overall spending levels. Republicans backing the standoff argue that the disruption underscores the need for tighter budget controls and policy reforms. Democrats counter that shutdowns are a political tactic that harms federal workers and working families while doing little to solve long-term fiscal issues.
“This is about accountability,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said as negotiations stalled. Referring to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, he added, “We need to rein in ICE and end the violence. That means ending roving patrols. It means requiring rules, oversight, and judicial warrants… Masks need to come off, cameras need to stay on, and officers need visible identification. No secret police.”
Trump and Senate Democrats reached an agreement to fund most of the federal government through the remainder of the year, but the deal briefly stalled in the Senate due to opposition from Sen. Lindsey Graham. The South Carolina Republican blocked a fast vote for nearly 24 hours, calling the bipartisan package a bad deal for ICE officers and other DHS employees. Graham also objected to language that would repeal a provision allowing him and several Republican senators to sue the Justice Department over subpoenaed phone records tied to the investigation into Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election, NBC News reported.
The consequences of the shutdown are already being felt across the country. Black Americans, who are disproportionately represented in the federal workforce, face heightened economic risk from furloughs and delayed paychecks. According to U.S. Department of Agriculture data, Black Americans account for about 26% of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants despite making up roughly 12% of the U.S. population, raising concerns that service disruptions could deepen existing inequities.
This marks the second federal shutdown in the past year, coming just 11 weeks after the end of a 43-day funding impasse in late 2025—the longest in U.S. history—which disrupted air travel and left hundreds of thousands of workers without pay. Lawmakers say the current lapse is unlikely to last as long, with the House scheduled to reconvene Monday.
As reported by the BBC, attention has also focused on DHS, with lawmakers planning to use the two-week funding window to negotiate additional conditions tied to immigration enforcement. Both parties have criticized tactics used by federal agents following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse killed during an altercation with Border Patrol officers in Minneapolis. The Justice Department launched a civil rights investigation into the incident on Friday.
Despite signals from both sides that a resolution is possible, negotiations remain tense, with neither party eager to shoulder blame if the shutdown drags on.
Byron Allen And Ava DuVernay Tackle MLK Assassination In New Film
Allen and DuVernay confirmed a new feature film collaboration titled 'King vs. the United States of America.'
By Robert Hill
On Jan. 30, media mogul Byron Allen and Oscar-nominated filmmaker Ava DuVernay confirmed a new feature film collaboration titled “King vs. the United States of America.”
The film focuses on Coretta Scott King’s journey and decades-long pursuit to get to the truth surrounding the 1968 assassination of her husband, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., who was killed on April 4, 1968, at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee.
The project revisits the longstanding questions surrounding King’s assassination, which was officially blamed on James Earl Ray. However, Coretta Scott King and her family never accepted this conclusion.
“King vs. the United States of America” will analyze Mrs. King’s independent investigation, including a 1999 civil trial where the jury concluded King’s assassination involved a broader conspiracy, hinting at the involvement of government agencies.
The two collaborators bring passion and a sense of truth to their documentation of African American history. DuVernay previously directed the 2014 film “Selma” and created the series “When They See Us,” bringing a long history of telling stories centered on Black history and civil rights. With the help of Allen’s Allen Media Group, he will help expand the company’s presence in film and television productions.
As reported by Deadline, Allen is ready to get to work. “My passion and dedication to exposing the historic secret trial regarding King’s assassination is unshakable.”
Coretta Scott King emerged as a political force like her husband, but in her own right, advocating for civil rights, feminism, and LGBTQ equality following her husband’s assassination.
It takes more than two people to make a film. Other collaborators for “King vs. the United States of America” include producers Carolyn Folks, Jennifer Lucas, Chris Charalambous, and Matthew Signer.
The announcement was shared on a special day for the King family, especially since Coretta Scott King passed away on this day 20 years ago, and as her son, Dexter King, would have been celebrating his birthday.
The NAACP and allied groups say recent fatal encounters tied to immigration enforcement reflect a national crisis, not an isolated incident.
NAACP civil rights leaders in Detroit joined with community organizations on Jan. 30 to denounce recent deadly confrontations involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement, framing the violence as a nationwide issue that demands urgent federal response.
Speaking at a gathering organized by the NAACP Detroit Branch, Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony, the chapter’s president, said the clashes linked to immigration enforcement in Minneapolis should not be viewed as a local matter. “This is not just a Minneapolis problem,” Anthony said. “This is an American problem — not a Minneapolis tragedy. This is an American tragedy. This is not law and order. This is chaos and disorder.”
Anthony referenced fatal shootings earlier this month involving ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agencies during protests in Minneapolis. American citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti were killed amid demonstrations opposing federal immigration actions, according to organizers.
Community advocates emphasized that the deaths highlight broader concerns about civil liberties and accountability. Nabih Ayad, founder of the Arab American Civil Rights League, invoked the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. while criticizing the current state of the country. “As the great Martin Luther King Jr. said, ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,’” Ayad said. “With all due respect, what is going on in this country — this is not the America that we know.”
Speakers repeatedly stressed that their concerns transcend party politics, urging lawmakers to address immigration enforcement practices through legislative reform. Detroit leaders called on Congress to reconsider policies governing ICE and the Department of Homeland Security, arguing that current approaches endanger lives and erode public trust.
“We gather today united in our belief that the value of human life and the value of law must be upheld throughout this nation we all call home,” said Mary Carmen Munoz, executive director of La SED.
Organizers concluded by framing the issue as a matter of fundamental rights rather than ideology, saying the deaths tied to immigration enforcement underscore the need for accountability, transparency, and humane policy nationwide.
Demond Wilson, Beloved ‘Sanford And Son’ Actor, Dies At 79
The veteran television and film actor passed away at his Palm Springs home following cancer-related complications, according to his family.
Demond Wilson, the actor widely recognized for his role as Lamont Sanford on the groundbreaking NBC sitcom “Sanford and Son,” has died, according to TMZ. He was 79.
Wilson passed away the morning of Jan. 30 at his home in Palm Springs, California, according to his son, Demond Wilson Jr., who confirmed the death to TMZ. The actor died from complications related to cancer, though the specific type was not disclosed.
“I loved him. He was a great man,” his son said.
Born Grady Demond Wilson, the actor rose to national prominence in the 1970s as the level-headed and long-suffering son of Fred Sanford, portrayed by comedian Redd Foxx. “Sanford and Son” aired from 1972 to 1977 and became one of the most influential sitcoms of its era, helping redefine how Black families and relationships were depicted on American television.
Following the show’s success, Wilson continued working steadily in television. He starred as Raymond Ellis on the NBC sitcom “Baby… I’m Back!,” which aired for one season, and later took on a leading role in ABC’s “The New Odd Couple” in 1982, another short-lived series that nonetheless showcased his range as a comedic actor.
Wilson also appeared in film, including the 1993 comedy “Me and the Kid,” marking one of his most notable big-screen roles. Though his acting career slowed in later years, he returned to the screen for his final performance in the 2023 drama “Eleanor’s Bench,” closing a career that spanned more than five decades.
Beyond individual performances, Wilson often reflected on the cultural importance of Sanford and Son and the legacy he shared with Foxx. In his 2009 autobiography, he emphasized the show’s historic role in television history.
“Redd and I were making history back in those days,” Wilson wrote, as reported by The Sun. “We were the first Blacks to be on television in that capacity and we opened the door for all those other shows that came after us.”
That partnership helped pave the way for future generations of Black-led sitcoms, reshaping network television in the process.
After stepping away from acting for nearly 20 years, Wilson focused on writing, ministry, and personal pursuits before making his brief return to film late in life. His work remains a cornerstone of American television history, remembered both for its humor and its cultural impact.
‘I Will Not Stop Ever’: Don Lemon Vows To Keep Reporting After Arrest For Covering Anti-ICE Church Protest
Minnesota journalist Georgia Fort was also released.
Former CNN anchor and now independent journalist Don Lemon forcefully defended his career in journalism on Jan. 30 after being released from federal custody a day following his arrest for reporting on an anti-ICE protest in a Minnesota church, vowing that the incident would not silence his work.
A U.S. district judge ordered Lemon released on his own recognizance, with no monetary bond required, according to The Hill. Lemon faces accusations stemming from a protest at a Minnesota church, where authorities claim worshippers’ constitutional rights were disrupted.
Speaking outside a downtown Los Angeles courthouse, Lemon thanked supporters and framed the arrest as a direct challenge to press freedom. “I will not stop now. I will not stop ever,” Lemon said. “In fact, there is no more important time but right now, this very moment, for a free and independent media that shines a light on truth and holds those in power accountable.”
Lemon argued that federal authorities targeted him for doing his job. He said the Department of Justice sent officers to arrest him “for something I’ve been doing for the last 30 years, and that is covering the news.” He added that the First Amendment “protects that work for me and for countless other journalists who do what I do,” insisting, “I will not be silenced. I look forward to my day in court.”
During Lemon’s court appearance, U.S. Attorney Alexander Robbins accused him of participating in what he described as a “mob that terrorized people in a place of worship.” As part of his release conditions, Lemon is barred from contacting witnesses or alleged victims and must seek court approval to travel outside the United States.
The charges are tied to a protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, where demonstrators believed the pastor was connected to Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Minnesota. The Trump administration has sought charges against Lemon and seven others related to the incident. Attorney General Pam Bondi described the event as “a coordinated attack on Cities Church,” though no sealed federal indictment has yet been made public.
Lemon, who was dismissed from CNN in 2023 after years as a prime-time host, now runs “The Don Lemon Show” independently on YouTube and Substack.
His arrest drew swift reactions from prominent figures. Former Vice President Kamala Harris called it “another affront to our rights and freedoms.” Sen. Bernie Sanders wrote that “arresting journalists is what happens in tin-pot dictatorships,” adding, “We must fight back against authoritarianism.”
ICE is occupying communities and shooting Americans.
Now, former CNN anchor Don Lemon has been arrested for covering what ICE is doing.
Arresting journalists is what happens in tin-pot dictatorships.
Lemon was not alone. Minnesota journalist Georgia Fort was also released Jan 30. Trahern Jeen Crews, a co-founder of Black Lives Matter Minnesota, and Jamael Lydell Lundy, who works for the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, were also taken into custody and released.
“To all the media that made a statement on behalf of me, thank you so much,” Fort said shortly after her release. She added, “Documenting what is happening in our community is not a crime.”
“I should be protected under the First Amendment…do we have a constitution, that is the pressing question.”
Georgia Fort has been released and has a message for the country:
"Do we have a Constitution? That is the pressing question. Documenting what is happening in our communities is NOT a crime.”
The Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists echoed that sentiment, showing its support of Fort and Lemon by stating that journalists have “the responsibility to observe and report events in the public interest,” regardless of where a protest occurs.
The organization continued to condemn the arrests, stating, “It is not illegal to document a protest against the federal government. The fact that the protest took place in a church does not negate journalists’ First Amendment rights to report.”
Lynn Crump-Caine Elected Board Chair At Fortune 500 Firm Thrivent, Marking Major Leadership Milestone
Crump-Caine will chair her first board meeting in February.
Seasoned corporate executive Lynn Crump-Caine has been elected to the board chair role at Thrivent, making her the only Black woman currently serving in that role at a Fortune 500 company.
Thrivent provides insurance, banking, investment, and financial advice services to over two million clients. The firm informed BLACK ENTERPRISE that its latest results show revenues exceeding $12 billion and assets under management exceeding $200 billion. It was disclosed that the metric is the highest in the firm’s history, dating back over 120 years.
Crump-Caine will chair her first board meeting in February. Her post is groundbreaking, given that only one Black woman is CEO on the 2025 Fortune 500 list ( Toni Townes-Whitley resigned as CEO of SAIC in October 2025). She will succeed N. Cornell Boggs III, a Black man who has been on Thrivent’s board since 2013 and has served as chair since 2023. He will remain on the board.
Thrivent disclosed that Crump-Caine’s duties will include overseeing all aspects of its business and transformation. She most recently served as chair of the human resources and governance committee and as a member of the executive committee. She has been a board member since 2016.
Thrivent President and CEO Terry Rasmussen stated, “Lynn’s extensive business and leadership experience, deep understanding of Thrivent’s transformation, and commitment to our purpose make her the ideal choice to chair our Board of Directors.”
She added, “Lynn has been a valued board member for nearly a decade, bringing operational expertise and strategic insight, and I look forward to working with Lynn in this expanded position as she guides Thrivent’s future transformation and growth.”
Crump-Caine’s career includes 30 years at McDonald’s Corp., where she served as executive vice president of worldwide operations and oversaw global operations for over 31,000 McDonald’s restaurants. She is the founder of OutsideIn Consulting, which advises firms on business management and leadership development.
She is a board member of assorted public companies and nonprofits. They include serving as board chair at Wingstop Inc., lead director of the board, and executive mentor at The ExCo Group. That global firm offers guidance and mentoring services for C-suite executives and senior leaders.
Reflecting on the new role. Crump-Caine connected with BE via email. She elaborated on her top growth goals for the Minneapolis-based firm for 2026 and beyond and discussed the firm’s operating strategies. Both she and Boggs offered their take on Black board representation broadly and why companies should be more engaged in that activity.
She declared that under the CEO’s leadership, Thrivent has been building momentum and transforming for the future – all of which will continue and accelerate in the years ahead.
Crump-Caine indicated Thrivent has thousands of U.S. financial advisors helping clients plan for their future, establish legacies for their loved ones, and make their communities better.
Despite a shrinking industry, she says Thrivent is growing. More specifically, she says 600 new advisors were added in 2025, who are already serving clients and driving business for Thrivent. Crump-Caine reports that the firm will add hundreds more this year.
Crump-Caine expressed that Thrivent’s other actions included investing $50 million in 2025 to tell its story and help make the brand a household name. “We also recently launched the Thrivent Bank, a digital-first and human-centered bank to attract younger clients.”
Furthermore, Crump-Caine addressed how Thrivent has navigated challenges over its history, including economic headwinds, geopolitical shifts, and competitive pressure.
“Our advantage is simple: we stay focused on serving our clients, taking care of communities, driving our business forward, and telling Thrivent’s unique story. That focus has powered Thrivent’s success, and it will continue to guide me in my role as board chair.”
Moreover, Crump-Caine believes there is an extraordinarily diverse talent pool ready to shape corporate boards. She supports efforts to diversify the boardroom and build corporate boards that best represent those companies’ clients.
“There are many great Black board chairs who have come before me, and I’m proud to be in this role today. I hope I can be a positive example and role model for those who aspire to hold this seat in the future.”
Boggs offered similar thoughts. He says he knows that the representation of Black leaders on corporate boards remains relatively low. As such, he declares it’s the duty of organizations to develop boards that are representative of America.
“They (U.S. companies) need leaders who understand their consumer, can drive their business forward, and can effectively guide and govern for the future.”
Minding Our Own Business: Returning To Our Roots With These 5 African Nations Leading The Diaspora Repatriation Movement
For many Black diasporans, the dream of “returning home” has evolved from a sentimental journey into a strategic relocation.
As we navigate the complexities of 2026, several African nations have formalized powerful pathways for descendants of the trans-Atlantic slave trade to reclaim their residency, invest in property, and secure citizenship.
This “repatriation” is a reclamation of our psychological well-being and economic sovereignty.
The Western Political Catalyst
The surge in repatriation is deeply tied to the current political climate in the Western Hemisphere. Entering 2026, we’ve seen a sharp rise in nationalist rhetoric and restrictive policies that directly impact our communities. Following the 2024 U.S. election, many of us have grown weary of the rollback of diversity initiatives and the intensification of exclusionary migration strategies.
For the modern Black woman, the “Blaxit” movement is a proactive response to a social fabric that often feels frayed. With net migration to the U.S. hitting record lows in 2025, the narrative of the “American Dream” is being replaced by a quest for the “African Reality”—one of psychological safety and true belonging.
1. Ghana: The Pioneer of the “Right of Abode”
Ghana remains the gold standard for diaspora integration through its “Beyond the Return” initiative (2020–2030).
Thriving Community — East Legon & Kumasi: East Legon in Accra is where luxury meets legacy, serving as a hub for affluent diasporans. In the Ashanti region, the “Diaspora Village” in Kumasi offers a curated space for repatriates to build homes and businesses.
Land Ownership: Property is typically held via 99-year renewable leases for citizens and 50-year leases for non-citizens, all managed via the digitized Ghana Lands Commission.
Sierra Leone has legalized one of our most direct legal bridges: Citizenship by DNA. By proving ancestral links, we can bypass years of red tape.
Thriving Community — Tokeh & River No. 2: The coastal areas around Freetown, particularly Tokeh, have seen a surge in diaspora-led boutique hospitality. These projects are more than just businesses; they are engines of local growth and sustainable living.
Land Ownership: Once citizenship is granted, you enjoy full freehold rights, ensuring your investment is a permanent legacy for your family.
3. Rwanda: The “Singapore of Africa”
Rwanda is the premier choice for those seeking a tech-forward, “Smart City” lifestyle under its Vision 2050 strategy.
Thriving Community — Norrsken House & Vision City: Kigali’s Vision City is a premier residential project housing many of our sisters and brothers. Norrsken House Kigali serves as a focal point for the “Silicon Savannah,” where diaspora talent and local innovators collaborate.
Land Ownership: Rwanda’s transparent Unique Property Identifier (UPI) system offers some of the most stable and enforceable property rights on the continent.
The Gambia is currently implementing its National Land Policy 2026–2035, which aims to harmonize customary and statutory laws. The Gambia is one of only two nations that officially include “The” in its name, alongside The Bahamas.
Thriving Community — Bijilo & Brufut: Areas like Brufut Heights offer a serene coastal lifestyle with established community associations that assist with everything from business licensing to local networking.
Land Ownership: A new digital National Land Administration System is being deployed to eliminate title fraud and secure your investment.
5. Benin: Nationality “By Recognition”
Benin made history with Law No. 2024-31, granting nationality to those who can prove Sub-Saharan African ancestry through DNA testing.
Thriving Community — Ouidah: As our spiritual heart, Ouidah is seeing a cultural rebirth. Repatriates are funding the restoration of historic architecture and the creation of building centers that bridge our heritage with a prosperous future.
Land Ownership: Obtaining nationality grants full land rights, allowing us to invest freely in a booming economy.
A$AP Rocky Launches PAVĒ NITEŌ Luxury Jewelry, Set To Receive NAACP Vanguard Award For Fashion
There is no release date for the skull-shaped rings.
Fresh off the release of his latest album, Don’t Be Dumb, Harlem recording artist A$AP Rocky has debuted a luxury jewelry brand, PAVĒ NITEŌ.
According to Hypebeast, the jewelry are skull-shaped rings that Rocky has displayed during his album press run.
In a social media post, he shouted out filmmaker Tim Burton of Beetlejuice fame (who also did the artwork for the new album) for the inspiration and says they were designed by him and Venetian jeweler A. Codognato.
Rocky did not mention a launch date for the jewelry.
With the rollout of Don’t Be Dumb, get ready to see a whole lot of Rocky.
The NAACP just announced that the fashionista will receive the Vanguard Award for Fashion at the 57th NAACP Image Awards Fashion Show. He has also been nominated for three NAACP Image Awards for his role in the Spike Lee-directed movie, Highest 2 Lowest, which earned nine nominations.
“This year’s Vanguard Award honoree, A$AP Rocky, embodies the power and evolution of Black artistry. As a creative force who consistently pushes culture forward, he has redefined the intersection of music and fashion, shaping global trends and inspiring new generations,” said Karen Boykin-Towns, vice chair, NAACP National Board of Directors, in a written statement. “Honoring A$AP Rocky with the Vanguard Award celebrates his lasting influence and the legacy he continues to build.”
People can vote for by visiting www.naacpimageawards.net and submitting by Feb. 13 deadline at midnight (ET). The awards show will air live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on BET and the CBS on Saturday, Feb. 28.
