by Stacy Jackson

July 17, 2024

Woman Hits Irv Gotti With Sexual Assault Lawsuit

The lawsuit alleges incidents of sexual assault and abuse spanning from 2020 to 2022.

A lawsuit filed in Miami alleges sexual assault and abuse against music producer Irv Gotti by a 54-year-old woman identified as Jane Doe.

The lawsuit details alleged incidents of sexual assault and abuse spanning from 2020 to 2022 across the multiple locations, including Miami and Atlanta, as well as the Caribbean country of Saint Martin. Filed on July 11 in Miami-Dade, the lawsuit obtained by The Miami New Times, claims the alleged abuse led to severe emotional trauma and injuries that continue to affect the woman presently.

“As a result of this sexually abusive relationship, Plaintiff has suffered severe emotional and psychological harm for which she had to be committed to a psychiatric ward,” the lawsuit states.

The woman reportedly met Gotti at a poker tournament in 2020, leading to a trip to Saint Martin where the alleged sexual assault began. The lawsuit claims the Queens, New York native coerced the woman into sexual acts, threatening to send her home if she refused. It further describes a two-year relationship marked by alleged abuse and unwanted sexual acts. Incidents of alleged sexual assault are detailed in Miami and Atlanta, including forced sexual acts in an elevator and an Uber. The lawsuit also accuses Gotti of slander, claiming he has damaged her reputation in Los Angeles.

The Murder Inc. Records co-founder has faced controversy before. In 2022, singer Ashanti called him a “narcissist,” according to BLACK ENTERPRISE, disputing his claims of a past romantic relationship in the early 2000s. In the late ’90s, Gotti and his brother established Murder Inc., drawing inspiration from a brief collaboration between Hip-Hop heavyweights Jay-Z, DMX, and Ja Rule. Operating under Def Jam Recordings, the label propelled artists like Ashanti and Ja Rule to stardom. However, Murder Inc.’s ascent was marred by allegations of money laundering, with the Gotti brothers facing accusations of funneling drug money through the label. Both were eventually acquitted of all criminal charges.

The lawsuit is seeking a jury trial. As of July 15, Gotti had not listed an attorney for this case.

by Daniel Johnson

July 17, 2024

Michigan Rep. John James Takes Shots At Biden, Democrats During RNC Speech

James flipped Biden's controversial statement from 2020, saying, 'If you don’t vote for Donald Trump, you ain’t Black.'

During his short speech at the Republican National Convention on July 15, Michigan Rep. John James took several shots at Democrats and compared his service in the U.S. military with Trump surviving an attempted assassination attempt. James appears to be the latest Black Republican ready to be a proxy for the Trump campaign’s Black voter outreach program.

According to Politico, James made a pointed reference to a comment President Joe Biden made while campaigning in 2020. Biden’s remark came during an interview with The Breakfast Club’s Charlemagne tha God. The former Vice President exhorted Black listeners that to vote for Trump was to side against their own Blackness.

"If you don't vote Donald Trump, you ain't black." Rep. John James pic.twitter.com/rWtB15zRDQ
— RSBN 🇺🇸 (@RSBNetwork) July 16, 2024

During his remarks, James flipped Biden’s statement, saying, “If you don’t vote for Donald Trump, you ain’t Black.” James also stated during his remarks that the American economy was so good under Trump that the Democrats tried to give former President Barack Obama credit for Trump’s achievement.

According to Politico, James, notably, was one of the few Republicans who was willing to criticize Trump publicly over the controversial comments the latter made during his term in office. During that time, the then-candidate for Michigan’s Senate seat attempted to distinguish his race from Trump’s presidential campaign. James told Black community leaders on a video call in 2020 that the two disagreed on “plenty” of issues.

“Plenty, plenty of issues,” James responded. “Everything from cutting Great Lakes funding to ‘sh*thole countries’ to speaking ill of the dead,” which Politico took to be a reference to Trump’s disparagement of the late Sen. John McCain. “I mean, where do you want to start?”

During his speech, however, James appeared to strike a chord that resonates with many Black Republicans and conservatives, that is, that even though racism exists and impacted his father, he and James’ mother never let racism define America for them.

“He and my mother raised me never telling me that this is a racist country, never, never…even though we have…blemishes in our past, even though we have much farther to go, even though they endured racism, it did not define the nation they loved. They taught me I could do anything I set my mind to, they taught me to put the Lord first, always,” James said at the podium.

According to Deadline Detroit, Tim Scott, another surrogate for Trump, was more forceful in his remarks concerning race, pointing the finger at “liberal elites” and the Democratic Party’s leadership in general, during his remarks.

“I know this is going to offend the liberal elites, every time I say it, it offends them. But let me say it one more time: America is not a racist country. No we’re not. But if you were looking for racism today, you’d find it in cities run by Democrats,” Scott said.

Missy Eliott, Virginia, HOUSING, DONATE, PORTSMOUTH, HOUSING AUTHORITY, ALISA WINSTON

by Stacy Jackson

July 17, 2024

Cosmic Jam Session: NASA Launches Missy Elliott’s 1997 Song ‘The Rain’ To Venus

NASA's decision to transmit Elliott's 'The Rain' to deep space stems from her 'space-centric storytelling' and futuristic visuals.

NASA has made history by transmitting the first hip-hop song into deep space through its Deep Space Network. The chosen track, “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” by Missy Elliott, embarked on an extraordinary journey to Venus on July 12.

The iconic 1997 song traveled an astounding 158 million miles from Earth, taking approximately 14 minutes to reach its celestial destination, according to Billboard. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California facilitated this groundbreaking transmission, marking a significant milestone in the intersection of music and space exploration.

“YOOO this is crazy!” Elliott wrote on X. “My song ‘The Rain’ has officially been transmitted all the way to Venus.”

YOOO this is crazy! We just went #OutOfThisWorld with @NASA and sent the FIRST hip hop song into space through the Deep Space Network. My song “The Rain” has officially been transmitted all the way to Venus, the planet that symbolizes strength, beauty and empowerment. The sky is… pic.twitter.com/g6HofNQSt1
— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) July 15, 2024

This deep space transmission of “The Rain” coincides with Elliott’s aptly named “Out Of This World” tour, which as BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported, is her first-ever North American tour.

NASA’s decision to send this song into deep space follows their 2008 transmission of the Beatles’ “Across the Universe.”

Brittany Brown, NASA’s Digital and Technology Division Director, highlighted the synergy between space exploration and Elliott’s artistry, noting, “Both space exploration and Missy Elliott’s art have been about pushing boundaries. Missy has a track record of infusing space-centric storytelling and futuristic visuals in her music videos, so the opportunity to collaborate on something out of this world is truly fitting.”

“The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly),” produced by Timbaland, was a pivotal song in Elliott’s career, helping establish her as a major force in hip-hop and R&B. The album it appeared on, Supa Dupa Fly, made history by debuting at No. 3 on the Billboard 200.

Elliott’s current “Out Of This World” tour features artists Ciara, Busta Rhymes, and Timbaland. Speaking about the tour with Entertainment Tonight, the rapper emphasized her desire to create an immersive experience. “I wanted to make sure I didn’t just do a concert…I wanted to give them the visual and make them feel like they were a part of those videos,” she said. “Really out of this world. That’s what I want them to feel.”

Watch the music video for “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” below.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 17, 2024

Former NBA Player Joe ‘Jellybean’ Bryant, Father Of Kobe Bryant, Dies At 69

Jellybean had recently suffered a massive stroke.

Former NBA basketball player and father of Kobe Bryant, Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, has reportedly passed away at the age of 69.

A social media post by the La Salle University Men’s Basketball team, where he played his collegiate career from 1973-1975, announced his passing.

We are saddened to announce the passing of La Salle basketball great Joe Bryant.

Joe played for the Explorers from 1973-75 and was a member of our coaching staff from 1993-96. He was a beloved member of the Explorer family and will be dearly missed. pic.twitter.com/A3sgZzVkkt

— La Salle Men’s Basketball (@LaSalle_MBB) July 16, 2024

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Jellybean had recently suffered a massive stroke, according to La Salle’s Men’s Basketball head coach, Fran Dumphy. The elder Bryant played basketball at Bartram High School in Philadelphia before heading to La Salle University. At 6-foot-9 inches, Bryant played the forward position, and while at Bartram, he won the Public League Player of the Year in 1972. When he got to college, playing over two seasons, Bryant averaged more than 20 points and 11 rebounds.

After leaving La Salle, he was selected in the first round of the 1975 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors. Less than four months later, the Warriors sold his rights to his hometown team, the Philadelphia 76ers. Bryant played for the 76ers for four seasons, coming close to an NBA championship as part of the 1976-77 team that lost to the Trail Blazers in the NBA Finals. He also played for the Houston Rockets before continuing his professional career in Europe.

ESPN reported that Bryant also played with the San Diego Clippers (now, the L.A. Clippers) during an eight-year NBA career averaging 8.7 points and 4 rebounds in 606 games. After a successful run in Europe, Bryant and his family moved back to Philadelphia, where a young Kobe was raised.

Bryant started coaching in 1992 and went back to his alma mater La Salle as an assistant coach from 1993 to 1996. He was the head coach for the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks (2005–2007, 2011) before coaching stints in Japan and Thailand.

Snoop Dogg Rolls Out First S.W.E.D. Cannabis Store

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 16, 2024

Snoop Dogg Rolls Out First S.W.E.D. Cannabis Store

S.W.E.D. is an acronym for Smoke Weed Every Day.

Entertainer, multi-pitchman, and weed specialist Snoop Dogg recently opened his first licensed cannabis store.

Located near the Los Angeles International Airport, the store, S.W.E.D., is an acronym of a signature phrase, Smoke Weed Every Day, and a reference to the final line in Dr. Dre‘s record, “The Next Episode,” sung by the late Nate Dogg.

The store, which opened July 14, is a place to pick up top-shelf premium products and services for connoisseurs of cannabis.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @deathrow_cannabis

Inside the dispensary is a replica of the iconic wooden Death Row Records chair. There’s also an area that commemorates Snoop’s legendary 1993 album, Doggy-Style, as well as Snoop’s hand-written sayings graffiti-ed on the walls.

S.W.E.D. is conveniently located between SoFi Stadium and the airport. So if you’re looking to kill some time before a flight or a football game, you’re in luck

Forbes reported that the store will release an exclusive line of cannabis products in honor of Tupac Shakur. The product line starts with jarred cannabis flower, featuring the classic strain Alien OG. Each purchase includes one of four exclusive, never-before-released photos of 2Pac in front of a graffiti-covered Death Row Records wall, along with a matchbook featuring the same photo. This exclusive release will be available in select California dispensaries by July 19, with plans to expand to Michigan later this year.

Snoop Dogg is also planning to launch a S.W.E.D. coffee shop in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, in August 2024.

It will be just after he has completed his upcoming broadcasting duties for NBC and Peacock in its coverage of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. The lyricist will lend his views onsite at the Olympic Primetime Show, starting July 26 on NBC and Peacock through August 11.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

July 16, 2024

Stephen And Ayesha Curry Now Investors In Michelle Obama’s Plezi Nutrition

The Currys are already vocal advocates of healthy lifestyles through their Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation.

The Currys are cooking up something new with Michelle Obama. Stephen and Ayesha have joined the former first lady’s PLEZi Nutrition as investors and brand partners in its health-focused mission.

“We’re so excited to welcome Stephen and Ayesha Curry to the PLEZi Nutrition family,” Obama shared in a press release. “They are true role models. They’re extraordinary at what they do and how they go about their work—with creativity, integrity, and a whole lot of fun. Their commitment to bettering the lives of children and their dedication to promoting healthy lifestyles align perfectly with our vision for PLEZi Nutrition. We can’t wait to team up with them to inspire the next generation toward healthier choices.”

Plezi offers a range of healthy beverages and foods for kids. Building healthy eating habits begins in childhood, but accessibility remains a consistent barrier for many children. PLEZi intends to resolve this issue by prioritizing nutrition and taste to promote healthier lifestyles. Their fruit juices contain 75% less sugar than the leading brand and are packed with fiber and vitamin C.

As vocal advocates for multigenerational wellness, the Currys’ support will also spread awareness of PLEZi’s opportunities for the youth.

“Our kids were the ones that drove our decision to partner with PLEZi Nutrition,” said Stephen and Ayesha Curry. “PLEZi passed the taste test, and they couldn’t stop drinking it. This is important, because it’s our job as parents (and as a culture) to show our kids that health and wellness can be exciting. Food should be joyful, and by teaming up with PLEZi Nutrition, we’re furthering our mission to provide healthier, delicious options for families—making balanced nutrition a fun, easy, and accessible part of everyday life.”

by Sharelle Burt

July 16, 2024

North Carolina Postal Worker’s Family Thinks She Died From Intense Heat In Mail Truck

OSHA is investigating the incident.

Family members of Wednesday “Wendy” Johnson thinks she suffered a possible heat-related death after delivering mail for the United States Postal Service (USPS) in 95-degree heat, WRAL reports.

Johnson, 51, died at Cape Fear Valley Hospital in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on June 6. Her family claims she died from heat stroke after she started to feel weary delivering mail on an extremely hot day.

Johnson’s son, Deandre, said his mom, who worked for the agency for 20 years, was riding in the back of a postal truck on a 95-degree day.

Johnson worked as a supervisor and sometimes assisted with deliveries in her Sanford community. On the day of Johnson’s death, Deandre said his mom text the family to complain about the heat.

“She texted my aunt and said ‘yeah, I’m in the back of this truck and I’m hot,'” he said. “Being in her situation, I don’t think she should have been in a truck in 95-degree weather and in the back of that truck it was like 102.”

Co-workers said Johnson was found unconscious in the Fayetteville post office bathroom. Now, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is investigating the death as heat-related. The postal trucks used by the office don’t have air conditioning and one worker described them as “easy bake ovens.”

While a USPS spokesperson claims it is working on a response, leadership sent Johnson’s family a name plaque and held a memorial service in her honor, according to USA Today. Deandre says he and his family welcome the kind gestures but feels the agency is “saving face.”

USPS has come under fire for their lack of extreme heat protection for their workers in the past. Eugene Gates was delivering mail in Dallas when he collapsed in someone’s front yard in June 2023. It was a record 104 degrees when the homeowner rushed to perform CPR on Gates, who died.

After Gates’ death, a number of employees accused USPS of ignoring its heat safety programs and falsifying records to hide how certain actions may have contributed to the death of mail carriers across the country.

The agency is required to train letter carriers every spring through the Heat Illness Prevention Program (HIPP) to recognize symptoms of heat illness and what they should do if they feel sick. However, Gates’ widow and the National Association of Letter Carriers union claim he never received training and that his manager allegedly “falsified” official records before his death in order to cover it up.

Johnson’s son says he will remember his mother as someone who was kind and caring. He hopes her death will bring awareness to the postal service’s workplace conditions, especially inside mail trucks.

Civil Rights Hall of Fame, Mississippi, Jackson, Mayor Lumumba

by Sharelle Burt

July 16, 2024

Family Of 3-Year-Old Rape And Murder Victim Slams Guilty Plea, Vows To Pursue Death Penalty

The boyfriend of Josefina Cunningham's mother, Robert Fisher, admitted to the horrendous crimes.

The family of 3-year-old rape and murder victim Josefina Cunningham is calling for the death penalty after her accused assailant entered a guilty plea.

Robert Fisher, the boyfriend of Josefina’s mother, pleaded guilty on July 9 after confessing to the crime that occurred in 2023. The toddler’s older brother, Jy’Quan Stewart, 23, pushed back against the guilty verdict and claimed Fisher only did it because the pressure of facing Josefina’s family was too much for him to handle. “Everything happened so fast. I think he couldn’t stand being in a courtroom,” Stewart said.

“To me, it’s not over. I still plan on pursuing that death penalty.”

Stewart said the shock of the guilty plea was unbearable for him and his mother because that means Fisher did it. “I was really shocked, two weeks before the trial. So, that means he admitted that he did it,” he said. “She told me she was very shocked, just very surprised he pleaded guilty because at first [during his initial arrest], cops had him pinned to the ground, and he said, ‘I didn’t do it.’

“Now, two weeks before he pleaded guilty.”

According to Atlanta Black Star, Josefina, who was known by her family as “Josie,” died on July 7, 2023, after her mother found her unresponsive at their home in Rensselaer, New York. Fisher was staying with Josie and her mother and initially faced charges of obstruction after law enforcement claimed he tried to re-enter the house during their investigation. Enough evidence later came back to charge him with aggravated sexual abuse, assault, and endangering the welfare of a child.

After being indicted for murder and rape in late July 2023, Fisher admitted to the crime while he was babysitting the child and laid out graphic details on how it happened. “He told us that he administered drugs to the child,” Rensselaer County Assistant District Attorney Antonia Edwards said.

“They were prescription drugs the mother was prescribed. He then raped the child. The child then died, and he did try to clean her up with Clorox wipes.”

While Fisher’s sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 6 and he faces 20 years to life in prison, his family doesn’t think that’s enough. “I want him to pay for what he did. People that commit these crimes, they need to pay, they need to get the death penalty,” Stewart said.

However, since the death penalty is outlawed in the state of New York, that’s not an option.

Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly said she understands the family’s pain and is doing the max for what they feel he deserves. “He’s getting the harshest punishment possible. He’s got life on the back end and a significant sentence in the front. The death penalty is not an option in New York,” Donnelly pointed out.

“I think all of us, digging deep in our souls, would like to see something like that happen to someone like that but that’s not the law.”

Stewart remembers first meeting Fisher and said his gut told him something was wrong. His mother never dated white men before so he attributed his thoughts to that. “Something felt a little off inside when I first met him. It was a little off. I just felt something in my gut,” Stewart said, who added that his mother was only dating Fisher for a week.

“I never saw my mother with a white guy before. Maybe that’s why, but I never spoke to her about their relationship — it was like she was hypnotized. She was too deep in love with him. It was actually kind of strange.”

by Stacy Jackson

July 16, 2024

Tyra Banks’ SMiZE & Dream Ice Cream Makes D.C. Debut

The SMiZE & Dream pop-up will offer D.C. customers 10 gourmet ice cream flavors.

Tyra Banks is bringing her SMiZE & Dream ice cream venture to Washington, D.C., with an exciting new pop-up.

The supermodel’s frozen treats will soon be available to D.C. residents and visitors, featuring 10 flavors including the unique “Cap Hill Crunch” — a blend of Cap’n Crunch cereal-infused ice cream, toffee crunch, and cereal milk-soaked French toast pieces, according to Good Morning America.

Banks announced job fairs on the SMiZE & Dream Instagram for her “scoop squad,” scheduled for July 15 and 16 at 2653 Connecticut Ave. This SMiZE & Dream pop-up follows the success of her dessert offerings in Los Angeles, where they were available in pre-packaged pints. Separate from her U.S. ventures, Banks has also launched a mobile ice cream truck in Dubai, expanding her SMiZE & Dream brand internationally.

The supermodel’s passion for the frozen dessert runs deep. On her 50th birthday, she shared with Instagram followers, “My mama and I have been obsessed with ice cream for forever…now I got me some big ice cream dreams with SMiZE & Dream.” Banks emphasized that her venture is “not just about ice cream. It’s about inspiring people to make their dreams come true.”

In 2021, Banks launched her SMiZE Cream ice cream shop in Santa Monica, California, as BLACK ENTERPRISE previously covered. The name is inspired by “smize,” a term she coined during her America’s Next Top Model days. The shop offered unique flavors like “The Best Vanilla I Ever Had” and “Chocolate Barbeque.” Banks and singer Lionel Richie bragged about SMiZE Cream in a 2021 TikTok video. The two danced around showing off a bowl of a new “All Night Love” flavor in collaboration with the “All Night Long” singer.

Last year, Banks announced the change of the name from SMiZE Cream to SMiZE & Dream, on TikTok.

@smizeanddream
From SMiZE CREAM to SMiZE & DREAM ✨☁️ Please watch this video. We want your dreams to come true 🙏🏾💛 Tell us your dream ⬇️
♬ original sound – SMiZE & DREAM

The new SMiZE & Dream pop-up in D.C. will be located in Woodley Park at Petit Monde’s lower level, operating from July 19 to September 20. A newly designed website is coming soon, allowing ice cream lovers to place online orders for delivery.

RELATED CONTENT: Tyra Banks Launches New Beauty Line

Josh Reynolds, Denver Broncos,Wide Receiver, Strip Club, Shooting

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 16, 2024

Rapper Killed At Grand Opening Of Beauty Store

TanDaGod was killed at a meet-and-greet at the grand opening of Glamor Beauty Supply.

A tragic event unfolded at a new store opening in Oakland, Calif., over the weekend, claiming the life of rapper Alliauna Green, known by her stage name TanDaGod, reports KTVU. The incident occurred during the grand opening of Glamor Beauty Supply on July 13.

TanDaGod, a well-known local recording artist who supported Black-owned businesses, had been invited to the store for a meet-and-greet with her fans. The event marked the reopening of Glamor Beauty Supply, which had been shut down in May and recently taken over by new owners.

A witness to the shooting, Sul Cho, who works nearby at a Korean BBQ restaurant said, “Everybody, like, ducked and hide behind the cars.”

Glamor Beauty Supply’s new owner had invited TanDaGod to perform at the event to draw attention to the store’s reopening. However, the celebration took a horrifying turn when the rapper was approached and shot while performing.

“She was performing there, and this guy with a hood just walked in through that gate and started shooting,” Cho recounted.

TanDaGod was taken to a local hospital and pronounced dead. Police stated another person was shot but survived.

NBC Bay Area reports that several witnesses claimed that there were about six men wearing masks who approached the rapper outside of the store and were arguing before shots rang out.

“Then they started letting off more rounds. Then the building across the street got hit like five times. When shots went through the window and I was ducking behind the chairs in a donut shop,” said another witness, Hazpain.

A friend of TanDaGod, Ernest Holloway, revealed that she recently opened an Airbnb in Florida and was only in town visiting.

The Oakland Police Department is investigating and asking if anyone has any information about the incident to contact the Homicide Section at (510) 238-3821 or the TIP LINE at 238-7950.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Business Owners Open Brick-And-Mortar Stores In Oakland Despite Crime Surge