Fat Joe Claims Puerto Ricans Voting For Donald Trump Suffer ‘House N——a Mentality’
The Puerto Rican rapper takes issue with comedian Tony Hinchcliffe's calling Puerto Rico garbage
The fallout continues from comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s “joke” comparing the island of Puerto Rico to garbage at a Trump rally that took place in New York City at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 27. Bronx rapper Fat Joe spoke on the controversy surrounding the comedian’s joke and lambasted Puerto Ricans who still say they support the former president for the Nov. 5 presidential election.
On Nov. 1, Breakbeat Media News posted a video clip of a conversation with Fat Joe about Puerto Ricans who still support Trump after Hinchcliffe’s rhetoric regarding not only Puerto Ricans but also Black people. The discussion was part of its special, “Us: A Summit on Black & Brown Men & The Vote.”
“It breaks my heart. If any of you guys got Puerto Rican friends, when you go over there and you go visit, the first thing they tell you is, ‘My island, my island. Yo, you went to my island.’ How the hell are they gonna call Puerto Rico an island of garbage and when I post on my Instagram, ‘These the guys you voting for?’ I see Puerto Ricans saying, ‘No, we’re still for Trump 2024.’ That’s that house n**ga mentality. That’s the Latino that wish he was white. Those the guys in the comments, you know? [They] change they voice up [and] try to sound white, trying to fit in. Those the guys I’ve been fighting my whole life because they look at me like, you know, what I am.”
Although Fat Joe took a stand against those supporting the former president, people in the comments reacted to Joe saying “N**ga mentality” due to the recording artist being of Puerto Rican descent. Some feel he isn’t allowed to use the word even though he grew up in the South Bronx, mostly around Blacks. A similar controversy ensued several years ago when another Bronx native, Jennifer Lopez, used the word in one of her songs.
Election Day Rides: Uber, Lyft Offer Half-Off Rides To Voting Polls
Lyft and Uber have cut prices in half on Election Day for rides up to $10.
Two of the largest rideshare companies are helping people make their voices heard in this election by offering discounts to and from voting polls. Lyft and Uber have cut prices in half on Election Day for rides up to $10.
Uber riders will see a “Go Vote” tile in the app, as shown by the “Ride” and “Reserve” tiles. Uber users can book a ride to their nearest voting poll with its discount from 4 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. local time on Election Day. Unfortunately, the discount isn’t available in all states. Riders in California and Georgia will not be able to use Uber’s 50% discount to the polls, USA Todayreports.
“At Uber, we believe transportation shouldn’t be a barrier for any eligible citizen to vote,” the company stated in a news release. The company adds, “We’ve developed a series of in-app features and promotions to help voters find and get to their polling locations this Election Day.”
For people who want to stay up and watch the results, Uber is also offering 25% discounts on food orders over $25.
“We know you’ll be up late watching as results trickle in. That’s why we’re offering folks across the country 25% off their orders,” the company stated.
Lyft Is Offering 50% Discount To Voting Polls
Meanwhile, Lyft is also making it easier for people to get to voting polls by offering 50% off rides as a part of its “Voting Access Program.”
Lyft riders must preload the code VOTE24 on Election Day for rideshares, bike shares, and scooter rides. The code is valid between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. in riders’ time zones.
“Lyft believes transportation access should never be a barrier for any citizen seeking to vote,” said Lyft’s Chief Policy Officer Jerry Golden in a statement.
“Our Voting Access Program reflects our commitment to being a force for good, and we’re proud to encourage riders and drivers to exercise their fundamental right to vote, regardless of income, zip code, or political affiliation.”
The press conference took place Nov. 4 where he expressed that Philly citizens have no reason to be scared to vote at the polls, reassuring that safety measures are in place for people to place their vote.
“I want people to be reassured that, when they get up tomorrow to go vote — if they have not voted already — that everybody in this city is working and has been working for months to make sure that there will be nothing tough about that experience and nothing to fear in that experience,” Krasner said.
“But I also want to be clear. Anybody who thinks it’s time to play militia: Eff around and find out,” he continued. “Anybody who thinks it’s time to insult, to deride, to mistreat, to threaten people: Eff around and find out. We do have the cuffs, we do have the jail cells, we do have the Philly juries and we have the state prisons.”
Philadelphia DA issues warning to anyone who wants to "play militia" or engage in voter intimidation tomorrow:
"We do have the cuffs. We do have the jail cells. We do have the Philly juries. … F around and find out." pic.twitter.com/dAv0lafwPb
His warning comes as the largest city in the battleground state of Pennsylvania is prepared to be the determining factor in the presidential race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Both candidates have been campaigning hard in the state, with its 19 electoral votes, to clench the White House. A recent poll shows Trump has a minor lead over Harris in the Keystone State with 0.7 percentage points.
Krasner has proven that he is very serious about the severity surrounding voter interference and fraud. In late October 2024, he sued Elon Musk and his pro-Trump super PAC, America PAC, over its $1 million giveaways to swing state voters. The DA claimed it was “unfair trade practices” and is “charged with protecting the public from interference with the integrity of elections.”
Private businesses in Portland, Oregon and New York City are also on high alert as well as additional police expected to be deployed to polling sites in Massachusetts. While people are pleased at the extra measures, others have highlighted that the moves aren’t normal.
“It is completely ridiculous that we have to do this,” D.C. resident, Ebony Boger, said. “It’s very precautionary, and I see why because I was here four years ago, and it was crazy down here. It’s not shocking. I’m kind of used to it. I think they should do it.”
The precautions come following a series of bulletins issued by the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security to state and local election officials, warning of “election-related grievances” that could result in the motivation of domestic extremists “to engage in violence.”
Smokey Robinson And Halle Bailey Set To Host NBC Holiday Special ‘A Motown Christmas’
Smokey Robinson and Halle Bailey will host "A Motown Christmas" on NBC.
Smokey Robinson and Halle Bailey are joining forces to host NBC’s holiday special, A Motown Christmas, featuring a star-studded lineup.
The two-hour special will feature Motown icons like Robinson and current stars like Bailey, performing more than 25 of the label’s classic hits alongside holiday favorites, Billboard reported. The holiday special will treat viewers to performances by Motown legends like Gladys Knight, Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, The Temptations, and Smokey Robinson. Contemporary artists, including Bailey, Ashanti, Andra Day, BeBe Winans, Jamie Foxx, JoJo, Jordin Sparks, MGK, October London, and Pentatonix, will also take the stage.
Among the special’s musical highlights include chart-topping Motown classics like “My Girl,” “Tears of a Clown,” and “ABC”; and tributes to the legendary label’s icons like Diana Ross and The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder. Additional performances include a fresh rendition of “Last Christmas” by MGK; a salute to Motown founder Berry Gordy led by Andra Day; and an exclusive performance from the Broadway cast of MJ the Musical.
“Motown’s timeless hits have played as a soundtrack for American families for the last six decades,” NBCUniversal Entertainment’s executive VP of live events & specials Jen Neal said in a statement. “NBC is honored to spotlight the iconic legacy of Motown with a festive celebration for the holiday season.”
A Motown Christmas is executive produced by actress, director, and choreographer Debbie Allen, former Motown Productions president Suzanne de Passe, and Madison Jones of De Passe Jones Entertainment. The telecast is produced by SpringHill, with Rickey Minor serving as musical director.
“I’m thrilled to be back in the saddle with Motown and Suzanne de Passe to bring to the world this much-needed holiday family special,” Allen said. “The music of Motown has always been magical, and we are going to sing and dance everyone into Christmas joy!”
“We’re excited to usher in the holiday spirit by bringing nostalgic performances and fresh renditions of Motown hits to homes across the world,” SpringHill CCO Jamal Henderson added.
A Motown Christmas follows in the footsteps of two previous Motown specials — Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever, and Motown Returns to the Apollo—both of which received Emmy Awards for Outstanding Music or Comedy Program.
Beyoncé Prompts People To ‘Vote’ In New ‘Beywatch’ Video
The singer released the "Beywatch" visual to remind people to vote ahead of Election day.
Beyoncé is getting people in formation to vote as she channels Pamela Anderson in a new “Beywatch” video.
Ahead of Election Day, the singer posted the visual to Instagram, singing along to her Cowboy Carter track, “Bodyguard.” It shows Beyoncé taking on different looks made famous by Anderson, each complete by her famous beach blonde hair. However, Beyoncé had more intentions behind the “Beylloween” look, encouraging her fanbase to vote throughout the video.
Fans especially savored the “Beywatch” clip, as Beyoncé opted to not release visuals for her last two albums. Despite this, Beyoncé has pulled out all the stops to ensure the BeyHive heads to the polls in this historic election.
She recently appeared, alongside her mom Tina Knowles and former Destiny child member Kelly Rowland, at Kamala Harris’ rally in Houston. During the Oct. 25 event, Beyoncé spoke about how she is urging everyone to vote as a mother, not a celebrity.
“Your freedom is your God-given right, your human right,” she told the crowd.
Beyoncé has subtly supported Harris since the beginning of her campaign, clearing the use of her song “Freedom” for the Democratic nominee’s event entrances. However, Queen Bey is not the only superstar mom encouraging people to exercise their voting rights.
Rihanna also hopped on social media to remind people to cast their votes. Although the Barbados-born singer is not a U.S. citizen and thus cannot vote, she still made mention of the election by poking fun at her situation.
“POV: me trying to sneak into the polls with my son’s passport #votecauseicant,” joked the Fenty Beauty founder, referencing one of the two children she shares with New York rapper, A$AP Rocky.
Rihanna got even more cheeky about the election in her caption. She alluded to the issue of reproductive rights and firing those who are not up to the job.
“When protecting p-ssies and firing p-ssies can happen all in one vote,” wrote the provocative star.
With the election still in a tight race, both women continue to do their part to get everyone to participate.
Black Girls Rock! And Black Lives Matter Honored At Black Excellence Brunch
The Black Excellence Brunch continues to pay homage to deserving individuals
Beverly Bond and Cicley Gay were both recognized for being unapologetically Black and excellent and for their unwavering commitment to tackling Black issues that impact Black communities.
“It is a profound honor to stand here,” Bond said after sharing how she met Trell Thomas, founder of The Black Excellence Brunch, and thanking him for “pouring into our community.”
Gay has been an activist and public advocate for over 20 years before stepping into her latest role as board chairwoman for Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation in July. After receiving her flowers, Gay returned to the stage alongside Bond to reintroduce BLM and share a gift from the foundation which also empowered the event.
“Take a moment to get to know our work but most importantly, get to know our heart,” Gay told the room full of attendees.
“Black Lives Matters now and always and in all ways. We have a check. We are building the largest philanthropic abolitionist organization to ever exist.”
Gay continued: “We are getting this money back in the hands of the people and we are donating from Black Lives Matter $50,000 to Black Girls Rock!”
As people wined and dined and enjoyed one another, Thomas concluded the event on an unexpected note. The host wowed attendees with an intimate conversation with surprise honoree, R&B singer Monica.
The “So Gone” singer spoke of her purpose and having never been in her pursuits due to faith:
“My mom used to always talk about faith being the size of a mustard seed, but at the same time, you can’t see it. So, sometimes when it’s not tangible, you don’t understand this power. I learned to understand the power of it.”
Thomas continues his mission of paying homage to well-deserving individuals and making folks feel like family through food and fellowship in the same vein as he remembers enjoying his mother’s Sunday dinners.
“I wanted to extend that joy to my friends,” Thomas said.
“It’s something that I really like to do in this space is celebrate people. So we’re celebrating all of you, every single person is celebrating.”
“Often we just select a few people that I think that everybody should know and those doing incredible work where they are in their respective spaces.”
29 Child Protestors Could Be Sentenced To Death In Nigeria
The minors are all teenagers, ranging from 14-17 years old, frustrations over the country's increase in the costs associated with living in the country have resulted in multiple mass protests during the last few months
A group of children protesting the economic crisis and brutality in Nigeria could potentially face the death penalty after being arraigned on Nov. 1. According to The Associated Press, four of the group of 29 child protestors collapsed in court from exhaustion before they could enter their pleas in court.
In total, 76 protestors were charged with ten felony counts, including treason, destruction of property, public disturbance, and mutiny, per the charge sheet obtained by the AP.
The minors are all teenagers, ranging from 14 to 17 years old; frustrations over the increase in the costs associated with living in the country have resulted in multiple mass protests during the last few months.
According to Akintayo Balogun, a private lawyer from Abuja, the children cannot be sentenced to death due to the Child Rights Act.
“So taking minors before a federal high court is wrong, ab initio, except if the government is able to prove that the boys are all above 19 years,” Balogun told the AP.
Marshal Abubakar, a lawyer for some of the boys, alluded to the children’s ludicrous circumstances in a country that often has problems ensuring their proper education.
“A country that has a duty to educate its children will decide to punish those children. These children have been in detention for 90 days without food,” Abubakar said.
According to Al Jazeera, protests in August railed against the country’s anti-poor measures, and some, like Juwon Sanyaolu, the leader of the Take It Back movement, said the country’s leaders are out of touch with its populace.
“The ordinary people are suffering, but this government doesn’t care because they cannot feel the pulse of the ordinary people,” Sanyaolu told Al Jazeera.
Sanyaolu continued, “Why will they keep listening and dancing to the tune of these foreign interests while undermining Nigerians? We don’t consider government officials as Gods, and we don’t exist to serve their greediness. They should serve us, and that’s why we’re going to keep marching.”
In Ilorin, a city north of the Nigerian capital of Lagos, Ahmad, a mobile point-of-sale operator, said that the people are fed up with the loss of their ability to buy food.
“People are just too scared here. But everything about Nigeria is painful. Every day I go home from work, I have to start thinking because it costs me about 1,000 naira ($0.60) when it used to cost me way less. This morning, I could not even buy bean cakes to eat with my bread because they were ridiculously expensive and tiny,” Ahmad said.
Things were bad in Nigeria due to the 2020 pandemic, mismanagement, and insecurity, resulting in a deep depression.
However, the country’s situation worsened when President Bolu Tinubu imposed fiscal measures recommended by the World Bank.
Tinubu removed a decades-old fuel subsidy and unified foreign exchange markets in 2023. Since then, the naira has lost over 50% of its value, making it incredibly difficult to import products.
The World Bank has signed more than $6.52 billion in relief funds to Tinubu’s administration, including $1.57 billion released in September 2024.
However, Nigerians have seen their leaders, like Vice President Kashim Shettima, spend $12.5 million on renovations for an official villa, and Tinubu purchase a new plane, while they can’t buy the same food they used to, stirring resentment.
Deji Adeyanju, a human rights lawyer and activist, told the outlet that the crackdown on protests is designed to elicit fear.
“The government does not tolerate dissent or criticism,” Adeyanju told Al Jazeera. “By arresting people and charging them like this, they believe that people will be scared and will not want to protest –- that’s their goal.”
However, Sanyaolu and his group are determined to keep protesting Tinubu’s government.
“We are not scared by them, and we want our demands met unconditionally,” Sanyaolu said. “There are two options – either President Tinubu abandons these policies, or he resigns.”
A poll released Sunday revealed an incredibly close race in the 2024 presidential campaign between Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican nominee former President Donald Trump, each tied at 49%. However, there are substantial differences in support across various voter demographics.
The poll shows Harris holding her strongest leads over Trump among Black voters (87%-9%), young voters under 30 (57%-41%), and white voters with college degrees (55%-43%). Trump’s 9% support among Black voters marks a decrease from the 12% he received in the 2020 election against Joe Biden.
Other key divides show Harris leading among women by 16 points (57%-41%) and Trump leading among men by 18 points (58%-40%). Harris also holds a substantial 20-point lead over Trump on which candidate is viewed as better at handling the issue of abortion and an advantage on which candidate better looks out for the middle class.
Overall, the poll indicates a dead heat between Harris and Trump, with each receiving 49% support from registered voters in a head-to-head matchup, while only 2% of voters remain undecided. Trump holds a slight edge over Harris among white voters and those without college degrees, leading by 2 points at 50%-48%.
Harris and Trump have nearly equal levels of popularity, with 43% of voters holding a positive view of Harris and 50% viewing her negatively. In comparison, Trump has a 42% positive rating and a 51% negative rating. Regarding congressional control, 47% of voters express a preference for Democrats to lead Congress, while 46% favor Republican control.
Due to the nation’s Electoral College system, the outcome of the presidential election will ultimately hinge on results from crucial battleground states such as Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Like the NBC final poll, recent polls from swing states indicate tight races and a lack of certainty.
Regardless of the presidential election outcome, 60% of registered voters in the poll believe the U.S. will continue to be divided, while only 28% think it will become more united following the 2024 election.
FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr sounded off on X, formerly known as Twitter, amid the announcement of VP Harris’s SNL appearance. According to Carr, a senior Republican on the commission appointed by former president Donald Trump, Harris’ appearance on the show was “a clear and blatant effort to evade the FCC’s Equal Time rule.”
“The purpose of the rule is to avoid exactly this type of biased and partisan conduct — a licensed broadcaster using the public airwaves to exert its influence for one candidate on the eve of an election,” he explained. “Unless the broadcaster offered Equal Time to other qualifying campaigns.”
This is a clear and blatant effort to evade the FCC's Equal Time rule.
The purpose of the rule is to avoid exactly this type of biased and partisan conduct – a licensed broadcaster using the public airwaves to exert its influence for one candidate on the eve of an election.… https://t.co/LliZF0po9t
“Just weeks ago, SNL’s Lorne Michaels said that they would not be bringing any of the candidates on due to election and equal time laws,” Carr wrote in a follow-up tweet.
NBC has now filed a notice acknowledging that they provided free airtime last night to the Democratic Party’s nominee within the meaning of the FCC’s Equal Time rule. pic.twitter.com/KUpyR6k5DT
“NBC has now filed a notice acknowledging that they provided free airtime last night to the Democratic Party’s nominee within the meaning of the FCC’s Equal Time rule,” he added.
In another round of tweets, Carr accused NBC of scheduling Harris’ SNL appearance “(just hours before an election) in a way that denies all other candidates their one-week procedural right.” This allegedly goes against the FCC’s seven-day rule which “affords qualifying candidates one week to request their Equal Time from the broadcast station.”
NBC has also filed an Equal Time notice for providing a free SNL appearance to a Democratic U.S. Senate candidate. pic.twitter.com/818NIje6qY
On Saturday’s episode of SNL, Kamala Harris made her debut by joining comedian Maya Rudolph — known for her impersonations of the vice president — in a cold open sketch. In the scene, Harris appears on the opposite side of a mirror from Rudolph, who is playing her.
“I’m just here to remind you, you got this, because you can do something your opponent can’t do — you can open doors,” Harris told Rudolph, in what appeared to be a subtle jab at Trump, who was seen earlier in the week seemingly struggling to grab the handle of a garbage truck door.
Harris’ SNL appearance comes two weeks after the show’s executive producer, Lorne Michaels, said neither of the presidential candidates would appear on the popular sketch comedy show.
“You can’t bring the actual people who are running on because of election laws and the equal time provisions,” he toldThe Hollywood Reporter. “You can’t have the main candidates without having all the candidates, and there are lots of minor candidates that are only on the ballot in, like, three states, and that becomes really complicated.”
Amid Carr’s claims against Harris’ SNL appearance, an FCC spokesperson toldThe Hill that the commission “has not made any determination regarding [political] programming rules, nor have we received a complaint from any interested parties.”
Yandy Smith-Harris Empowers Melanin-Rich Skin With YELLE Skincare
Yandy Smith-Harris is no stranger to breaking barriers
Yandy Smith-Harris is no stranger to breaking barriers, transitioning seamlessly from entertainment mogul to beauty entrepreneur. Her latest venture, YELLE Skincare, is more than just a beauty brand; it’s a mission-driven company focused on addressing the unique needs of melanin-rich skin. In this exclusive interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE, Yandy shared her journey into skincare, the vision behind YELLE, and her empowering advice for women of color pursuing entrepreneurship.
Like many of the most successful entrepreneurs, Yandy’s leap into the beauty industry was inspired by her personal struggles. She revealed to BE, “During a challenging period in my life, I struggled with depression, which visibly affected my skin.”
In her quest for solutions, she visited Sephora, only to find few affordable options for dark skin using clean ingredients. This gap in the market and her need for effective, budget-friendly skincare solutions motivated her to create YELLE Skincare.
“I wanted to build a brand that not only addressed these unmet needs but also promoted holistic well-being,” she explained. “My previous experiences in branding and entrepreneurship have been invaluable in shaping YELLE, allowing me to create products that truly resonate with and serve our community.”
Yandy’s vision for YELLE was clear from the beginning: to create a brand that truly understands the distinct needs of melanin-rich skin.
“I aimed to formulate a skincare line that tackled issues like hyperpigmentation and sensitivity to harsh ingredients,” she said. “My goal was to use plant-based ingredients to create safe, effective, and nourishing products.”
Representation is also at the forefront of YELLE’s mission. “I wanted YELLE to be a brand that speaks to our community—those whose beauty is often overlooked by the mainstream. We offer tailored solutions for darker skin tones while promoting self-love and confidence.”
Entering the beauty industry wasn’t without its challenges. While Yandy’s entertainment career gave her a platform, she had to prove herself in a new field.
“Coming from entertainment, I had to educate myself on the science behind skincare, formulations, and the beauty industry as a whole,” she shared.“
“Another challenge was building credibility in a field where I was new. However, I overcame this by partnering with experts and collaborating closely with my team to ensure YELLE’s products were high quality.
Her persistence paid off.
“Leveraging my existing platform to build brand awareness was crucial,” Yandy notes. “Staying true to my vision and creating something that filled a gap in the market kept me focused.”
One of the standout aspects of YELLE Skincare is its holistic approach, combining topical products with ingestible supplements. Yandy explains that this decision was rooted in her belief that skincare should go beyond surface-level solutions.
“Skincare is not just about what you put on your skin, but also what you put into your body,” she says. “Healthy, glowing skin often starts from within, so incorporating supplements made sense.”
YELLE’s supplements work in tandem with its topical products to address skin concerns more comprehensively.
“It’s about full-body wellness, which is central to YELLE’s philosophy,” Yandy adds.
As a successful entrepreneur, Yandy offers valuable advice for other women, especially women of color, looking to transition into industries they may not have prior experience in.
“First, believe in yourself and your vision, even when others may not,” she emphasizes. “It’s so important to have confidence in your ideas and the value you bring to the table.”
Yandy also stresses the importance of education and networking. “Take the time to learn the ins and outs of your industry, network with people who can help guide you, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Lastly, be patient and persistent. Success doesn’t happen overnight but stay focused on your goals and be ready to pivot when necessary.”
Looking to the future, Yandy is excited about what’s next for YELLE. “We’re continuously making YELLE better to meet the evolving needs of our customers,” she reveals. “Right now, I’m particularly excited about the new rebrand of the products, keeping the same formula with a revamped look -– and a fun 5th-anniversary event, which you’ll have to stay tuned to hear more about.”
YELLE is also focused on accessibility. “We’re working on increasing access to YELLE by entering more retail spaces and expanding our digital presence,” she says. “The goal is for more women to experience the benefits of our products.”
Juggling her roles as a mother, entrepreneur, and TV personality, Yandy acknowledges that maintaining balance is always a challenge. “I try to focus on what matters most—my family and my health,” she shares. “I prioritize self-care and make time for myself to recharge.”
Her advice for other women balancing multiple roles is to seek support. “Do not be afraid to ask for help, delegate when you can, and make time for yourself without feeling guilty. You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
Yandy’s approach to building YELLE has been rooted in staying authentic and understanding her audience. “One of the most important strategies was building a strong brand that resonates with our target audience,” she explains. “Understanding the needs of my community and creating products that serve them has been crucial to YELLE’s success.”
She also highlights the importance of influencer marketing and partnerships in growing her brand. “These strategies have been game changers for us in getting the word out and building trust with our customers,” she says.
As Yandy continues to build YELLE Skincare and empower women of color through her brand, her story serves as a powerful reminder that with persistence, passion, and a clear vision, success is within reach—even in new and competitive industries.
