LeBron James, Beverly Hills, mansion
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 8, 2025

LeBron James ‘Decision’ Announced Extended Partnership With Hennessy

'Our first collection was about a shared pursuit of excellence and boundary pushing, and this new limited edition is another chapter in that story.'

Instead of a retirement announcement with all the hype around LeBron James’ “The Second Decision,” the Los Angeles Lakers player has announced the latest collaboration with the Hennessy brand.

In a promo released Oct. 7, the future NBA Hall of Famer recreated the scene from his announcement from his special, The Decision, when he decided to join the Miami Heat in 2010 to join fellow basketball stars, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. In the new clip, he “announced” that he is taking his talents to . . . Hennessy.

The Decision has been made. Cheers to year 23.@KingJames #HennessyxLeBron #TheSecondDecision #HennessyVSOP pic.twitter.com/WnXMZTiEPS

— Hennessy (@Hennessy) October 7, 2025

The Hennessy V.S.O.P Limited Edition by LeBron James will be available in select markets in October, furthering the partnership that James has had with the cognac brand since 2024.

“It’s an honor to continue this partnership with Hennessy. Our first collection was about a shared pursuit of excellence and boundary pushing, and this new limited edition is another chapter in that story. The design features my crowning gesture, which is special for me and stands for celebration and connection. That’s what this bottle is made for.”

Due to the teaser clip posted earlier this week, fans speculated that LeBron was possibly going to announce his retirement from the game, setting off a price surge for the Lakers’ last home game of the season against the Utah Jazz.

Before LeBron posted that announcement on social media, the lowest price for one ticket for that game, taking place April 26, 2026, was listed at $82, according to Vivid Seats. After word got out, that amount shot up to $850 for a single ticket.

LeBron will be entering his 23rd NBA season, which will break former Toronto Raptors’ Vince Carter’s record of 22 seasons, which he currently shares with him.  

The Lakers will start their regular season on Oct. 21 against their Western Conference rival, the Golden State Warriors, at Crypto.com Arena.

RELATED CONTENT: Are LeBron James And Maverick Carter Looking to Form A Rival Basketball League?

rapper, Birdman, Cash Money, Cash Money's Birdman
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 8, 2025

Cash Money Records Verzuz No Limit Records Battle Set For Vegas Show

No word yet on who will participate.

Two legendary independent hip-hop labels based in New Orleans, Cash Money Records and No Limit Records, will face off in the Verzuz Battle arena.

This battle marks the return of the Verzuz series, which pits recording artists against each other for bragging rights, and was started by music producers Swizz Beatz and Timbaland

The highly matchup will take place Oct. 25 in Las Vegas at ComplexCon.

No details have been released regarding who will participate, but the rich rosters of both labels promises to yield a star-studded line-up.

Cash Money Records has featured artists like Birdman, Lil Wayne, Juvenile, Turk, and Mannie Fresh. Drake, Nicki Minaj, DJ Khaled, and Busta Rhymes were also on the roster at one time.

The No Limit Records roster has included Master P, Silkk the Shocker, Mia X, Mystikal, Snoop Dogg, and Choppa.

The battle is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. and is expected to last until 10 p.m Anyone interested in attending can visit www.complexcon.com for more information.

For those unable to attend in person, the battle will be streamed live on social media via Instagram Live (@verzuztv), YouTube (Verzuz Official Channel), as well as the Triller App and website.

ComplexCon will take place Saturday, Oct. 25, and Sunday, Oct. 26, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

RELATED CONTENT: The Junkyard Band And DC Take Over Miami To Celebrate 50 Years Of Go-Go

Firefighter, lawSuit , Racist Harassment, Noose
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 8, 2025

Jayvon Givan’s Family Demands Investigation Into His Alleged Suicide By Hanging ‘This Is A Coverup’

A family is demanding answers regarding Jayvon Givan’s alleged suicide and the police-ordered cremation they only learned about more than a year later.

The family of Jayvon Givan is demanding answers and a reopening of the investigation into his death, which police ruled a suicide without their knowledge.

Police reports state that Givan was found hanging by a metal chain from a commercial building in Corrales, New Mexico, on Sept. 17, 2024. But, it wasn’t until Oct. 1, 2025, over a year after his death, that his twin sister, Jaivryon Walker from Kansas City, filed a missing persons report in Albuquerque and learned the police had sat on his case file the entire time.

Now the family has received support from local advocacy groups to demand a full investigation, including answers on why Givan was cremated without their knowledge.

“That is not negligence. And it’s not a rumor like we’ve heard people online say. This is a cover-up,” organizers from Building Power for Black New Mexico, Millions for Prisoners New Mexico, Albuquerque Save the Kids, and the SouthWest Solidarity Network told The Kansas City Defender.

After reviewing police reports, researchers allege that the Albuquerque police had no intention of properly investigating Givan’s death. However, amid public outcry over the racial implications surrounding deaths by hanging, the department now plans to conduct a thorough investigation.

“I am arranging for an independent review to look into the initial investigation of Mr. Givan’s death,” APD Chief Harold Medina said in a statement. “Our field officers rely on medical investigators to determine the cause and manner of death, which informs the department’s decision to pursue a criminal investigation. While this death appears to be a death by suicide, the fact that it involved a hanging is enough reason for further scrutiny.”

Police reported that Givan was wearing a hospital bracelet when found, indicating a recent medical visit. His last known address was an emergency housing shelter in Santa Fe. At the time of his death, he had an active warrant for conspiracy to commit armed robbery linked to a Cricket Wireless theft investigation, accused of stealing phones to exchange for cash at Eco ATMs.

However, his twin sister, Jaivryon Walker of Kansas City, is suspicious about her brother’s alleged suicide.

“I feel like if he was going through something, he would have reached out to me,” his sister said.

The reports make no mention of any attempt to contact Jayvon’s family in Kansas City. The only person listed in the “Relationships Addendum” is Martin Ulloa, whose connection to Jayvon is marked as “UNKNOWN.”

Walker says Detective Lorenzo Apocada, who finally called the family on Oct. 1, offered almost no information and later refused to return their calls. When another detective eventually called to deliver the news, the family says they received vague answers to basic questions about the autopsy and photos of Givan’s body, which police had cremated without their knowledge.

”He just said that his body was cremated and that we could get the police report online,” Jada said. “He never gave us any details. He never said, ‘Hey, I’m gonna be sending you over some photos so you can identify him.’ My cousin was literally identified from the name, only name, and birthday.”

Organizing groups have rallied behind Givan’s family to demand a transparent investigation into his death, which they are ruling as a lynching pending a final investigation.

”This department concealed the lynching of a Black man for over a year, and had the audacity to label it a ‘suicide.’ We reject that narrative outright,” a statement from the advocacy groups reads. “Black people do not hang themselves in public in America. We know this because the history is written in blood. From Reconstruction to Jim Crow to right now, police and coroners have covered up racial terror by calling it ‘self-inflicted.’ These are not isolated incidents; they are continuations of state-sanctioned violence.”

Organizers have demonstrations planned, in addition to putting pressure on the Albuquerque Police Department. I

f you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available. Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S.) or use the 988 Lifeline Chat via 988lifeline.org.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Student Found Hanging From A Tree In Mississippi

Remy Ma, papoose, network
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 8, 2025

Remy Ma Launches New Hip-Hop Centered Streaming Platform ‘Remy Network’

Remy Ma is stepping into the highly competitive streaming market with the launch of her hip-hop-focused platform, Remy Network.

Remy Ma is amplifying hip-hop culture into the new age with the launch of an official streaming platform designed to celebrate the art form.

On Oct. 7, the Grammy-nominated rapper unveiled Remy Network, a new digital platform that celebrates hip-hop culture through film, television, and storytelling. Co-founded with Roberto “Rush” Evans, a former Monami Entertainment executive, and Steven Ward, the platform will offer a diverse lineup of content, including scripted series, documentaries, reality shows, sports, concerts, and finance-focused self-empowerment programming—creating a comprehensive hub that embodies the rhythm, hustle, and spirit of hip-hop.

“Everything I’m building now comes from a place of purpose 🙏🏽,” Remy Ma said in an Instagram statement. “Remy Network isn’t just another streaming service — it’s a home for creativity and collaboration 🎨🤝. This network is about giving our community a stage 🎤🗣️ to tell our stories our way, and making sure those stories are seen and valued 👁️💫.”

Remy Network will operate as a free, ad-supported (AVOD) service, featuring FAST channels (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) and providing viewers with curated shows at no subscription cost. OTTera, a global leader in OTT and FAST solutions, will handle the network’s distribution and monetization across platforms and devices, ensuring smooth delivery and revenue growth opportunities, the platform shared.

With its launch, Remy Network aims to transform the way hip-hop culture is showcased on streaming platforms, offering a global platform for culturally rich content. The network also presents advertisers with brand-safe, high-impact opportunities to connect with diverse and passionate audiences.

The network expands Remy Ma’s growing portfolio of hip-hop-focused ventures, including her 2022 launch of the all-female battle rap league, Chrome 23. Since its debut, Remy has leveraged the platform to spotlight and empower female emcees in the traditionally male-dominated battle rap scene.

RELATED CONTENT: The Junkyard Band And DC Take Over Miami To Celebrate 50 Years Of Go-Go

Old Lady Gang, Kandi Burruss, Atlanta, Keith Lee
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 8, 2025

Kandi Burruss Joins Production Of August Wilson Revival Starring Taraji P. Henson And Cedric The Entertainer

Kandi Burruss will produce the Broadway revival of August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, starring Taraji P. Henson and Cedric “The Entertainer.”

Kandi Burruss has joined the production team for the upcoming Broadway revival of August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, starring Taraji P. Henson and Cedric “The Entertainer.”

Led by Brian Anthony Moreland, the Grammy and Tony Award-winning actress, singer, and songwriter, joins Golden Globe and four-time Emmy winner Debbie Allen, who will direct the stage play slated to open in Spring 2026, Playbill reports. Burruss’s addition to the Moreland-led production comes as no surprise, as the two have previously collaborated on several major Broadway projects, including Othello, starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal, the recent revival of The Wiz, the Tony-nominated The Piano Lesson, and Thoughts of a Colored Man.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the producing team of Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, which will mark my fifth Broadway show,” Burruss said in a statement. “Eternal gratitude to the team as I look forward to being a part of this journey and can’t wait for people to witness the greatness that is Taraji P. Henson and Cedric ‘The Entertainer’ on the Broadway stage.”

The play will mark the Broadway performing debut for Henson, an Emmy-nominated actress and Tony-nominated producer, who will star alongside Cedric “The Entertainer,” who will be making his Broadway return after his 2008 debut in American Buffalo. The two screen stars will portray married couple Bertha and Seth Holly.

Set in 1911, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone unfolds in a Pittsburgh boarding house run by the steadfast Seth and warm-hearted Bertha. Together, they operate their boarding house as a haven for Black travelers navigating the challenges of the Great Migration. Among them is Herald Loomis, a man searching for his lost wife and for the self he lost during seven years of illegal enslavement under “Joe Turner.”

Written by August Wilson around 1984 and premiering in 1986, the play is the second installment in Wilson’s Pittsburgh Cycle, a series of 10 plays each exploring a different decade of 20th-century African American life in his hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

“We are truly honored to return to August Wilson’s legacy,” Moreland said in an earlier statement. “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone is Wilson’s seminal masterpiece—an unflinching exploration of pain, identity, and hope. With Debbie Allen’s visionary direction and this extraordinary cast, the entire company will present a performance that resonates deeply and lingers in the hearts and minds of all who experience it.”

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Trump, Chicago, National Guard
by Sharelle B. McNair

October 8, 2025

Chicago Mayor Signs ‘ICE Free Zones’ Legislation Amid Threats Of Raids, Leaving White House Upset 

The announcement comes after actions of ICE agents have gone viral, showcasing their roughness with incident bystanders and alleged illegal immigrants.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have set up shop in Chicago, as the Trump administration claims they were needed. Mayor Brandon Johnson has created “ICE Free Zones” in an effort to protect city property and private businesses from the agency’s enforcement actions, FOX 32 reports. 

Johnson signed an executive order limiting federal immigration agents from staging enforcement actions in schools, libraries, parks, and various city-owned spaces. It also gives privately owned establishments the right to voluntarily participate in a network that touches city limits, protecting residents from ICE operations without a valid warrant.

“Today, we are signing an executive order aimed at reigning in this out-of-control administration. The order establishes “ICE free zones,” Johnson said during an Oct. 6 press conference.

“That means that city property and unwilling private businesses will no longer serve as a staging ground for these raids.”

https://twitter.com/CalltoActivism/status/1975217255454830643

The announcement comes after the actions of ICE agents have gone viral, showcasing their roughness with incident bystanders and alleged illegal immigrants. The raids have taken over neighborhoods of the Windy City, resulting in vicious confrontations with residents and having elected officials like Alderman Jessie Fuentes detained. She was arrested after questioning federal agents inside a hospital.

ICE agents have even attacked members of the clergy. Rev. David Black was struck in the head with a pepper ball as he stood in front of a Chicago-area ICE facility praying. 

Each ICE Free Zone business will be equipped with signage reading: “This property is owned and/or controlled by the City of Chicago. It may not be used for civil immigration enforcement, including as a: Staging area, processing location or operations base.” 

Not too long after the announcement was made, the White House released its own statement condemning the move, calling it “a disgusting betrayal of every law-abiding citizen” and accusing Johnson of shielding “depraved, violent criminal illegal aliens.” “This sick policy coddles criminal illegal alien killers, rapists, and gangbangers who prey on innocent Americans,” the statement read, including mugshots of detained criminals. 

However, Johnson, an avid critic of President Donald Trump, says his order is a defensive tactic aimed at protecting due process and civil liberties. “The order builds a broad civic shield that limits the reach of harmful enforcement practices. It strengthens neighborhood solidarity and it reaffirms Chicago’s role as a welcoming city,” the mayor said. 

“The fact is, we cannot allow them to rampage throughout our city with no checks or balances. Nobody is above the law. If we break the law, you should be held accountable. If Congress will not check this administration, then Chicago will.”

RELATED CONTENT: TikTok-Fueled Boycott Exposes Deep Divide Between Black Americans and Africans; It’s Time To Knock It Off

Angel Reese,
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 8, 2025

Angel Reese Now Global Ambassador For Juicy Couture

'I grew up loving the brand, so representing Viva La Juicy and co-designing my own collection has been incredible,' Reese said in a statement.

WNBA star Angel Reese is leaning further into the fashion industry with her latest deal.

She is now a Global Ambassador and Creative Collaborator with Juicy Couture. The two parties have released a new apparel collection called “Angel Couture.” Reese says she co-designed the pieces.

“I grew up loving the brand, so representing Viva La Juicy and co-designing my own collection has been incredible,” Reese said in a statement obtained by Women’s Wear Daily. “Juicy Couture has always been about confidence and having fun with fashion. Now with Angel Couture, I wanted to bring that same energy forward with pieces that are fearless, fun, and make you feel unstoppable.”

The collection features Juicy’s signature velour tracksuits in colorways such as black, light blue, and shades ranging from light pink to deeper pink. The collection also features knitwear and fleece sets, as well as blinged-out crop tops and oversized tees that can be dressed up or down.

“A limited-edition collection that blends court-side confidence with our iconic glam,” the website said. “Think luxe velour, sparkling heritage logos, and an unapologetic attitude in every piece. From pink tracks made for stand-out moments to sleek black glam—this collaboration celebrates game-changers.”

Items in the collection ranges from $65 to $139. Wearers of the “Viva La Juicy” fragrance will also see the WNBA All-Star face featured in its campaign.

Reese, 23, is paving her way in the fashion scene, with her collaboration with Reebok making waves in the footwear industry.

RELATED CONTENT: TikTok-Fueled Boycott Exposes Deep Divide Between Black Americans and Africans; It’s Time To Knock It Off

FAMU,Charlie Kirk,
by Sharelle B. McNair

October 8, 2025

Oklahoma Bill Calling For Charlie Kirk Statues On College Campuses Gets Side-Eyes

The legislation also lists consequences if the memorial is vandalized.

A new bill from Oklahoma Republicans that would put a Charlie Kirk “memorial plaza” on college campuses is generating controversy. 

Chair of the Oklahoma Freedom Caucus, Sen. Shane Jett, filed three pieces of legislation in Kirk’s honor, according to the OU Daily, one of which makes it a requirement for public colleges and universities to develop a memorial square or plaza on their main campus.

Senate Bill 1187 would require permanent signage commemorating Kirk under two options: a statue of Kirk sitting at a table with an empty seat across from him or standing with his wife, holding their kids. 

The memorial must be prominently visible and easily accessible in an effort to “maximize public awareness and utilization.” The legislation also says that any student, employee, or faculty member involved in vandalizing the structure would be expelled or fired in addition to being fined for the cost of the damage. 

The legislation follows the announcement by Ryan Walters, the former state superintendent of schools, who planned to install Turning Point USA chapters in every Oklahoma high school before resigning in late September. Faculty adviser for the University of Oklahoma Turning Point USA chapter, Gary Barksdale, said he would be proud to see a Kirk memorial on the university campus.

“Because Charlie Kirk’s mission was going across college campuses in the United States, promoting free speech and promoting open dialogue and promoting civil discussion of important issues,” Barksdale explained.

Kirk, who founded Turning Point USA, was assassinated last month during a campus event in Utah.

Several supporters and Christianity advocates compared his death—and legacy—to that of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. That instantly caught the attention of the King family.

King’s son, Martin Luther King III, and daughter, Bernice, denounced some of Kirk’s well-known accusations against Black women, including that they lack “the brain processing power to be taken seriously.”

King III called comparing Kirk to his father “a disservice to unification.”

“Kirk certainly was a force in this society and a significant force, but I just disagree with the position that his force was about inclusiveness,” he added. “When you denigrate Black women and say that somebody is in a position just because of the color of their skin, that’s gravely false.”

AI-generated mockups of what the memorials may look like have already circulated on social media, drawing remarks from free speech supporters. 

“Looks like a great gathering place for everyone losing their jobs for exercising their 1st amendment rights!” @clairekart wrote in response. 

Another user, @retolord, shared similar viewpoints, highlighting how “Kirk’s (sic) supporters are literally running around punishing people for voicing their opinion.”

RELATED CONTENT: Charlie Kirk’s Death Sparks Division Among Black Clergy

Kamala Harris, day of unreasonable conversations, 107 Days, book tour, Trump adminsitration
by Kandiss Edwards

October 8, 2025

Kamala Harris On The Current Political Moment: ‘These Motherf***ers Are Crazy’

Regardless of the negativity, Harris urged the crowd to pay attention to the lack of empathy being displayed by the government.

On October 6, former Vice President Kamala Harris unleashed her strongest language and spoke candidly about what she believes is an increasingly unhinged political climate.

While appearing at the summit, “A Day of Unreasonable Conversation,” Harris commented on what she called escalating discourse and distorted rhetoric.

“There is so much about this moment that is trying to make people feel like they’ve lost their minds,” Harris said.

Harris’s candid conversation takes place during the promotion of her massively popular memoir, 107 Days, about the 2024 presidential campaign.

Many were shocked by the direct tone of the usually buttoned-up Harris. Her sentiments marked a stark departure from the more measured public statements she has made during the election cycle. 

“Everyone’s looking for a thousand-foot drop on me,” she said.

Regardless of the negativity, Harris urged the crowd to pay attention to the lack of empathy being displayed by the government. She prompted citizens to keep an eye out for propaganda and outright falsehoods being pushed to the forefront of media.

“Part of this moment requires us to debunk the stuff they’re trying to sell the American people: To scapegoat, instead of owning up to the responsibility that the powerful have to have some kind of concern and care, if not just some basic f*****g curiosity, about the well-being of other people.”

The summit also featured appearances by actors, activists, and thinkers who joined Harris to discuss such topics as climate activism, gender equity, and digital creation.. 

RELATED CONTENT: Vice President Kamala Harris Presented Highest Honor By NAACP

Sen. Raphael Warnock, Georgia, election day, ballot counting, rule
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 8, 2025

Sen. Raphael Warnock And Rev. Neichelle R. Guidry Bring ‘Spelhouse Gospel’ To Howard University

The two "Spelhouse" alum tied their faith-based messages to modern-day political struggles.

Sen. Rev. Raphael Warnock and his fellow, Rev. Neichelle R. Guidry, brought the gospel and united HBCU love to Howard University’s campus.

The faith leaders and “Spelhouse” alum preached at Howard’s Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel Services in celebration of Congressional Black Caucus Week. According to The Dig, the two spoke at separate services on Sundays, taking place at the HBCU’s Cramton Auditorium.

On Sept. 28, Warnock uplifted Howard’s faith-based community with his sermon titled “God’s Victory Over Violence.” In times of political strife, Warnock reminded the audience that “holy mischief” is sometimes necessary to speak the truth and effect change.

The Morehouse alum particularly mentioned two famous Johns in history, the biblically renowned John the Baptist, as well as the late politician and civil rights activist John Lewis.

“Telling the naked, unadulterated truth on a world system built on lies will get you in trouble,” said the pastor of the famed Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. “But John Lewis called it ‘good trouble.'”

As John the Baptist and Lewis were lauded for their commitment to justice and truth, Warnock warned that today’s world must confront its own history. He mentioned timely issues such as the erasure of history and book burnings to shun away from the realities of our past, noting that the violence persists in different ways.

With attacks on diversity and poor people, Warnock used the stories of the Bible, particularly John the Baptist, to draw parallels to today’s modern fight. According to Warnock and his biblical study, John the Baptist spoke out against  King Harrod’s rule within the Roman Empire, leading to his beheading despite promoting the values of Jesus Christ.

Just as the biblical story goes, Warnock encouraged all to stay the course with liberty and God’s grace at the world’s doorstep.

Rev. Guidry continued with her own message of empowerment through faith at the following Sunday’s service. In her sermon “Message from the Mountain,” she detailed the story of Prophet Elijah.

In her Oct. 5 speech, she emphasized how, like Elijah, some people feel unaligned with their divine purpose. Drawing a contemporary comparison, she said many people could feel this way while taking on social causes or suffering with no solution in sight.

“It feels like you can’t help veering to the left or to the right no matter how much you try to stay centered,” explained Guidry, who serves as dean of the Chapel and the director of the WISDOM Center at Spelman College.

However, the reverend reminded listeners that although they may be in a “cave season” like Elijah, the purpose of this self-isolation can help one regroup and renew themselves in their purpose. The moment of solitude is not to stray farther from God, but to realign oneself with the holy word.

“Sometimes we meet God not in our strength, but we meet God in our weakness,” added Guidry. “Sometimes we meet God in our weariness and our exhaustion, in our wavering trust and our shaky faith. But I’m so glad today that we serve a God who is so connected, and God knows exactly where to find us right where we are.” 

Both reverends highlighted the importance of reconnecting with God’s guidance, especially in times of worldly and personal strife. Given the sociopolitical turmoil of today, these sermons encouraged this HBCU audience to empower themselves and find strength through faith to keep making a difference.

RELATED CONTENT: Sen. Warnock Emphasizes Importance Of Black Voters In 2024 Election

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