50 Cent, Louisiana
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 21, 2024

50 Cent’s G-Unit Studios ‘Back In Action’ After Louisiana Senate Committee Votes On Film Tax Credit

50 Cent celebrates Louisiana Senate Committee's vote on the film tax credit.

50 Cent is breathing a sigh of relief after Louisiana’s Senate voted to maintain the film tax credit that is helping fuel the growth of G-Unit Studios.

The hip-hop mogul expressed his support for the ruling and excitement for the future of his expanding media empire in an Instagram post, sharing a Variety report that announced, “Louisiana Senate Committee Votes to Keep Film Tax Credit While Lowering Cap to $125 Million.”

“Man they had my a** sweating! 😓 😅😆WTF, we back in action watch 🚀 GLG GreenLightGang 🎥 I’m coming with some heat,” he captioned his post.

This came just a week after he voiced hope for a favorable outcome following Louisiana’s state House of Representatives vote to end the incentive by June 30, 2025, as part of a comprehensive tax reform package. On Sunday, hundreds gathered in the hallways of the state Capitol in Baton Rouge to protest the decision, which could put thousands of film jobs at risk.

“I know people in Shreveport are sick right now, stay positive everything happens for a reason,” 50 Cent wrote on Instagram last week.

The “Candy Shop” rapper followed up with a longer statement clarifying his position on the measure and emphasizing the importance of patience as the state government works to address public concerns.

“I said this could be good for the state of Louisiana,” he captioned his post. “It feels bad for Shreveport at the moment, but we have to be patient.”

50 Cent continued, “I’m committed to the people of Shreveport; they held me down. Do you know a place in the world where you can stop violence for 16 days? There are things more important than money, you will find out when you get a bunch of it.”

The Power executive producer was right. The Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee reversed its decision on Tuesday, voting to retain the film tax credit while reducing the cap, effective next year. State Sen. Sam Jenkins, D-Shreveport, has since praised the decision and a similar action to maintain a tax incentive for rehabilitating historic buildings.

“Both of these credits in my opinion have shown they are wise investments,” Jenkins said.

50 Cent launched G-Unit Studios in Shreveport, Louisiana, earlier this year, followed by the inaugural Humor and Harmony Festival in July. The festival is credited with boosting the local economy, thanks to the star-studded, weekend-long event, the first of its kind in the city.

RELATED CONTENT: 50 Cent Spends Time With Big Meech Amid BMF Founder’s Prison Release

Btrust, Qala, Jay Z, bitcoin
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 21, 2024

Jay Z’s Team Roc Sues Kansas City For Public Records On Police Misconduct

Jay-Z's Team Roc is taking legal action against Kansas City, Kansas, claiming it has withheld documents regarding police misconduct.

Jay-Z’s Team Roc, the social justice division of Roc Nation, and the Midwest Innocence Project have filed a lawsuit against the Kansas City Police Department and the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas, NBC News reports.

The suit accuses the department of withholding critical documents related to complaints against current and former detectives and officers despite a records request submitted by Roc Nation under the Kansas Open Records Act in November 2023.

“For decades, communities in Kansas City, Kansas—particularly minority and immigrant communities—have been subjected to an alarming pattern of abuse and other serious misconduct by the KCKPD,” the lawsuit states.

“Rather than promoting a culture of transparency and accountability, the KCKPD has a long history of turning a blind eye to (at best) and even covering up (if not worse) abusive and/or corrupt conduct by its officers.”

The complaint claims that the KCKPD and city officials have “stonewalled” Team Roc for nearly a year despite the plaintiffs agreeing to pay $2,200 in fees for the public records. According to the suit, the 225 documents provided so far are largely personnel locator records detailing officer shifts and assignments, with only a small portion consisting of training materials and department policies.

None of the documents provided pertain to “any complaint or investigation into even a single instance of misconduct by any member of the KCKPD,” as requested, the suit says.

Team Roc’s managing director, Dania Diaz, said personnel documents were relinquished for only three out of 16 requests, with some still unanswered within a reasonable timeframe as required by law.

“This filing is because human beings with badges have betrayed the public’s trust …That type of behavior must be held to a standard,” Diaz told NBC News.

Team Roc is requesting a court order requiring the records to be produced within 30 days.

Missouri’s public records law exempts certain documents from public access, such as personnel records of public employees and criminal investigation files. However, Team Roc argues that the Unified Government denied its request with “broad, undifferentiated strokes,” failing to differentiate between records from ongoing and closed investigations and ignoring that most privacy concerns could be addressed through redactions.

Despite paying a substantial fee for what was described as an “extensive” and “voluminous” request, the response consisted of generic explanations the organizations believe fall short of legal compliance.

“More importantly, the Unified Government’s blanket claim about ‘unfounded allegations’ is inadequate and highlights the core issue: the breakdown of public trust in law enforcement,” the lawsuit states.

The legal filing comes as the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department (KCKPD) faces increasing public backlash over allegations of corruption and civil rights violations.

KCKPD detective Roger Golubski was federally charged in September 2022 with civil rights crimes for allegedly exploiting Black women for sex and framing individuals for crimes they claim they did not commit. Activists have since called for a broader federal investigation into the department.

RELATED CONTENT: Jay-Z And NFL All Set To Continue Super Bowl Halftime Curation Partnership

Issa Rae, Rae’s
by Stacy Jackson

November 21, 2024

British Fashion Council To Honor Issa Rae With 2024 Pandora Leader Of Change Award

On Dec. 2, Issa Rae will be awarded before the London fashion community as the 2024 Pandora Leader of Change.

As the global fashion community convenes in London for The Fashion Awards 2024, actress and producer Issa Rae will be honored by the British Fashion Council with the Pandora Leader of Change Award.

The Pandora Leader of Change Award is a recognition designated to an innovator whose work has inspired positive global change and contributed to the progress and empowerment of others through forward-thinking initiatives. “Issa Rae’s commitment to authentic representation and her transformative use of storytelling have profoundly shifted perceptions, setting a powerful example for the next generation,” the British Fashion Council stated on Instagram in a Nov. 19 announcement.

The “Insecure” creator will be presented with the award by her close friend and series co-star, Yvonne Orji, who commented on Instagram that she’s “looking forward to it!”

“We are thrilled to honor Issa Rae with the Pandora Leader of Change Award at The Fashion Awards 2024. Rae’s work has inspired and resonated with people all over the globe. She is a fierce advocate for civil and women’s rights movements, always championing equality and social justice in her acting and writing,” said Caroline Rush, chief executive of the British Fashion Council, in a statement, according to Hot97.

Rae is an actress, writer, director, producer, and businesswoman who first received attention for her award-winning web series “The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl.” The former BLACK ENTERPRISE Women of Power Summit speaker shared her journey of turning the awkward Black girl storyline into a comedy gold mine, which steered the creation of her hit HBO show “Insecure.” The Hoorae Media founder previously told BE that her approach to her career is about being comfortable in her own skin and having integrity and transparency.

The distinction from the British Fashion Council speaks to Rae’s dedication to using her platform to “spotlight the lack of diversity in Hollywood and call for more representation in the industry.” Pandora Chief Marketing Officer Berta de Pablos-Barbier stated that the “Rap Sh!t” producer “truly embodies the spirit of the Pandora Leader of Change Award” as she challenges norms, uplifts her community, and champions inclusivity.

The Fashion Awards 2024, presented by Pandora, is a fundraiser event that celebrates cultural fashion leaders and supports the growth of the British fashion industry. The event will return to London’s Royal Albert Hall on Dec. 2.

RELATED CONTENT: Issa Rae To Sit Down With Georgia State Law Students To Talk Contracts

grocery, queens
by Sharelle Burt

November 21, 2024

BlaQue Community Cares Launches Cash Mob Initiative To Support Queen’s Black-Owned Grocery Store

Support local Black businesses!

QNS reports that a nonprofit based in Queens, New York, BlaQue Community Cares, is stepping up to help boost awareness for Earnest Foods, an organic grocery store, with a cash mob initiative. 

The BlaQue Cash Mob program is a community-driven event designed to support local businesses like Jamaica-based grocers by encouraging shoppers to visit the store and spend a set amount of money, roughly around $20. BlaQue Founder Aleeia Abraham says cash mobs occur throughout the New York City borough to boost support for local businesses. “I think it’s important to really encourage local shopping habits and strengthen the connection between residents and businesses and Black businesses, particularly in Queens,” she said, after hosting six events since 2021. 

“And we’ve been doing this for a while now, and we found that it really helps the community discover new businesses that they might not know exist.”

As a result, the mobs increase sales and heighten community ties for independently owned businesses. 

Earnest Foods opened in 2021 after a noted need for fresh produce in the area. As fresh food options were difficult for residents to find, Abraham defines the store as an “invaluable part of the southeast Queens community.” “There’s really nowhere to go in Queens, especially Black-owned businesses in Queens to find something healthier to eat. We have to keep those businesses open,” she said. 

“So someone has to just make everyone aware that these businesses exist and how to keep dollars in our community. Organizing this cash mob not only encourages people to shop, but it also shows our collective dollars, how it helps sustain business and directly serves and uplifts our community.” 

The event will take place on Nov. 24 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 123-01 Merrick Blvd in the St. Albans community. According to Queens Chronicle, the store’s co-owner, Earnest Flowers, has partnered with several other Black-owned brands in the area to sell their products in the store. Flowers is happy that his neighbors can come to his supermarket to get organic food along with goods from local area vendors such as Celeste Sassine, owner of Sassy Sweet Vegan Treats. 

During the grand opening three years ago, which saw more than 350 patrons, Sassine said the partnership was “super, super, super exciting,” so much that most of the products vanished from the shelves within hours.

RELATED CONTENT: Tips For Eating Clean On A Budget

damon dash, roc-a-fella shares, New York
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 21, 2024

Damon Dash Said Drake ‘Disappeared’ After Offering To Purchase His Share In Roc-A-Fella Records

The former Roc-A-Fella owner claims the Canadian rapper wanted to buy his share for $6 million.

The auction of Damon Dash’s one-third stake in Roc-A-Fella Records finally took place on Nov. 14 and now the State of New York is partners with Jay-Z and“Karee” “Biggs” Burke.

Dash, however, mentioned to America Nu Network that Canadian rapper Drake previously offered to put up $6 million for his stake..

The stake was originally anticipated to bring in $10 million. After only three bidders showed up, it was auctioned off for $1 million. According to WBLS, an anonymous Albany representative placed the winning bid over offers of $250,000 and $223,000.

“At the end of the day, I don’t really understand it,” he said. “My child support, I guess, will get paid. And in my mind, I wasn’t getting any of that bread anyway. If I could sell it, I thought people really loved homeboy way more than they did. People did not show up. Drake did put a bid in for six million, but then he disappeared.”

It isn’t the first time that Dash has mentioned Drake wishing to bid to be a Roc-A-Fella Records partner.

“You know Drake hollered at me through DM and made an offer,” Dash previously said. “I’m not quite sure what happened, but I thought that he had got with Jay or something. But I don’t know. It would be a good time to close.”

The judge ordered the auction after Dash failed to satisfy a $823,000 judgment due to movie producer Josh Webber. Webber previously won a defamation and copyright infringement lawsuit against Dash after a dispute over the 2016 film Dear Frank.

Dash’s stake will also help satisfy another debt. The New York City Department of Social Services (NYCDSS). The entertainment executive owes $145,096 in unpaid child support to Rachel Roy for his two daughters and to Cindy Morales for his son.

Gen Z, Work, Meeting, Black Gen Zers, marketing, team, retain, hire, talent
by Sharelle Burt

November 21, 2024

Tech Founder Says Hiring Platforms Are ‘Soul-Crushing’ For Applicants Looking For Steady Jobs  

Jon Stross, the president and co-founder of the hiring platform Greenhouse, feels that platforms are making it harder for applicants to find a job, CNBC reports. 

Stross has been building technology for people to find proper employment since 2012, but with artificial intelligence advancements, he thinks they are roadblocks to efficient job searching. He has even heard whispers of hiring being “broken.” ​​”All the AI stuff isn’t actually helping. In some ways, it’s exacerbating it. I’d argue it’s getting worse,” Stross said. 

“Between technology that makes it really easy to apply to a lot of jobs combined with the current job market, where there’s a white-collar recession, it’s more soul-crushing than ever.”

Tools such as ChatGPT have oversaturated the hiring process. The technology makes it easier for candidates to write resumes and cover letters to apply for more jobs in half the time, which is not necessarily a bad thing. However, the advancements are pushing people to apply for jobs they aren’t qualified for, resulting in more competition. Higher competition leads to more anxiety and angst. “Candidates are feeling like they’re in an arms race with each other around how many jobs you apply to,” Stross says. 

“You hear people on social media saying, ‘Oh, I applied to 150 jobs.’ And so you feel pressure that if you’re not applying to tons of jobs, you’re falling behind.”

Prior to new technology advancements, only the highly competitive companies received more applicants than suited openings. But that has changed, leaving the doors open for all companies and industries. During quarter one of 2024, the jobs listed on Greenhouse received an average of 222 applications, a 43% increase from the previous year. 

The listings are called “ghost jobs,” which signal to employees, investors, or the general public that the company is growing at a faster rate. However, they also give a false narrative that there are plenty of opportunities, fueling the sense of urgency for potential employees to apply. Greenhouse saw the result of such posting — with close to 18% to 22% of all jobs posted on the site being considered ghost jobs. “Whenever I’m talking to friends who are looking for jobs and are like, ‘Wow, these companies are acting totally irrationally,’ my general [response] is, ‘yes,'” Stross said. 

“It’s usually chaos on the inside.”

According to MarketWatch, a survey from software search site Capterra found that 58% of job seekers used AI tools in their search. While many of their services are free, managers feel the tools give candidates an unfair advantage. Some potential employees feel pressure to use AI tools, but it doesn’t always give them much of an edge.

RELATED CONTENT: Beyoncé Leads The Pack For 2025 Grammy Nominations

Wallace peoples, reform alliance, Wallo267, CMO, Chief marketing officer
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 20, 2024

Wallo267 Gives Kodak Black A ‘Million Dollaz Worth of Game’

The podcast host tries to steer the rapper in the right direction.

Florida rapper Kodak Black has always been a polarizing recording artist, having had several run-ins with the law. On a recent appearance on the Gillie Da Kid and Wallo267-led podcast Million Dollaz Worth of Game, the former rapper and ex-felon was recorded trying to steer Kodak Black in the right direction.

Kodak Black was already given a lifeline when President Donald Trump pardoned the rapper’s prison sentence on his last day in office during his first term in 2021. According to NBC News, Kodak Black was sentenced to 46 months in prison on federal weapons charges in 2019 after he admitted that he falsified information on federal forms to buy four firearms.

The Source reported that just in the last week alone, the “Super Gremlin” rapper brought unwanted attention to himself when he appeared disheveled while joining Kai Cenat on his popular Twitch livestream series. He allegedly popped what people suspect was a Percocet while on air, and when Cenat asked him what it was, he replied, “It was a glitch for the Twitch.”

According to Billboard, Wallo, a former convict who spent 20 years in prison, gave the rapper some advice while speaking to him.

“Look at me, man,” he says to Kodak. “Listen: You special. Don’t ever doubt yourself, and you got them babies counting on you. Now, there’s gonna be times where you gonna doubt yourself, you gonna be in pain, but them babies counting on you. You got to be here.”

He also warned the rapper to be careful of those around him who don’t care about his welfare. He also advised him to avoid the traps and failures of others before him who were imprisoned, including some who died.

“A lot of brothers ain’t here no more that had the opportunity that you had. Some of them in prison, some of them dead, and they looking at us like we just some ni**as that don’t give a f**k. We’re junkies, we’re criminals. That’s what they think of us. We got to learn how to change the narrative, brother. You got a lot of young people watching.”

He reiterated for the rapper to be there for his children and to live for them.

RELATED CONTENT: WALLO267 DISCUSSES LATEST BOOK ‘ARMED WITH GOOD INTENTIONS’

Shyne Barrow, P Diddy, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, Bad Boy
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 20, 2024

Shyne Recalls Being Offended After Diddy Offered Him $50K After 10-Year Prison Bid

Shyne reflects on the $50,000 payout Diddy gave him after he served a 10-year prison sentence for their involvement in a nightclub shooting.

Shyne is opening up about the $50,000 Diddy gave him after the former Bad Boy artist served a 10-year prison sentence in connection with the 1999 nightclub shooting they both were involved in.

In his new Hulu documentary, The Honorable Shyne, the Belize native opens up about his true feelings regarding the New York City nightclub shooting, an incident for which Sean “Diddy” Combs was acquitted while Shyne (born Moses Michael Levi Barrow) served time as the sole convicted party.

The documentary showcases Shyne sharing his side of the story, including his decision not to cooperate with authorities or implicate Diddy. Meanwhile, Diddy appeared to work closely with his legal team, with several witnesses testifying against Shyne, ultimately leading to him taking the fall for a shooting where he wasn’t the only one who fired a weapon.

The “Bad Boy” rapper-turned-Belizean politician recently appeared on The Breakfast Club to promote his documentary and discuss his current relationship with Diddy. After his release from prison in 2009, Shyne revealed that it took three years to reconnect with Diddy. When they finally spoke, Shyne admitted he anticipated millions in financial compensation for staying loyal and refusing to implicate the Bad Boy founder.

“There wasn’t an instant forgiveness. I got out in 2009,” Shyne said. “There wasn’t an attempt at reconciliation until 2012 when I went to Paris to meet him. That was the first attempt of forgiveness, but I was still in a place of, ‘He owe me. He owes me his life.’”

“He’s a billionaire. If it wasn’t for me, he wouldn’t have been a billionaire. If I would have cooperated with the district attorney, he’d have went to jail, and heaven knows what would have happened to his career. So that’s worth at least a couple million dollars out of the billion that you’re worth.”

What made the $50,000 payout even more insulting to Shyne was witnessing Diddy spend $500,000 on a shopping spree for his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, before offering him the comparatively small sum.

“He probably gave me, like, 50 racks, and I’m like, ‘You can’t be serious.’ That’s 10 years? Fifty racks?” Shyne recalled.

Shyne, now the Leader of the Opposition in the Belize House of Representatives and head of the Belize United Democratic Party, also recounted his anger when Diddy attempted to visit him early in his incarceration at Rikers Island before his transfer to the Clinton Correctional Facility in Upstate New York.

“He came to see me once, and I think I tried to spit in his face in Rikers Island,” Shyne recalled. “I didn’t even want him to come see me. I didn’t even know he was coming to see me. They just brought me down in the lawyer’s office.”

The documentary chronicles Shyne’s journey toward forgiveness and moving on from the past. However, old wounds were reopened amid Diddy’s recent controversies, including a lawsuit filed by producer Rodney Jones, who alleges Diddy boasted about firing a gun during the 1999 Club New York incident and expressed disdain for Shyne. Additionally, Natania Reuben, a victim of the shooting, has come forward, accusing Diddy of being the one who fired the shot that struck her in the face.

“You know, there’s so many things that I said so long ago about Diddy,” Barrow told CNN recently. “Nobody would listen, nobody would believe. And it makes the wounds that I’ve, by the grace of God, been able to heal and the accomplishments that I’ve been able to achieve even much more significant.”

RELATED CONTENT: No One Is Interested In Buying Diddy’s Beverly Hills Mansion

Ebony Alert, missing Black women, Missing child
by Stacy Jackson

November 20, 2024

Week-Long Search For 80-Year-Old Georgia Woman With Dementia Leaves Family Worried

DeKalb County police will conduct a search with family members and volunteers on Saturday.

A missing 80-year-old woman in DeKalb County, Georgia, has her friends and loved ones concerned since she wandered away from her home on Nov. 13.

Ricky Dawson told Channel 2 Action News that his mother, Rosa Mae Dawson, never leaves her street.

DeKalb County officers searched near the 2400 block of Jenay Court for Rosa Mae Dawson, dressed in a pink, long-sleeved pajama set and black shoes.

Rosa Mae Dawson, 80, has suffered from dementia for the past five years. Family members say “Rose” can identify her relatives and locate her home.

“Every now and then, she’d have spells like, ‘Who is that?'” Ricky Dawson said. “But for the most part, I would probably say 75% of the time she had her wits about her.”

11 Alive noted that a relative who normally spends the day with Rose came over last Wednesday to find the door to Rose’s DeKalb County home wide open, and the woman wasn’t inside.

Family members have placed missing posters across the neighborhood that read “Please Help” with a photo of Rose. Loved ones will also join Dekalb County police as they conduct a search on Saturday, Nov. 23. The search is open for anyone who would like to assist.

“We just want her back home safely,” Ricky Dawson said.

DeKalb County police sent out a Mattie’s Call on the day Rose was reported missing, which, an emergency alert activated by a local law enforcement agency for disabled or elderly people who have been reported missing.

Ricky Dawson, her only child, has requested for another alert to be sent out.

“I just want their full support and help. This is an area where they have more expertise than we do on how to conduct this and how to get out,” he said.

Anyone with information about Rose’s whereabouts is urged to call DeKalb County police, (678) 406-7929.

Russell westbrook, clippers, Russell Westbrook
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 20, 2024

Russell Westbrook Becomes First Player In NBA History To Record 200 Triple-Doubles

Westbrook is in his 17th NBA season.

Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook became the first player in NBA history to record 200 triple-doubles on Nov. 18.

Westbrook came off the bench for 12 points, 14 assists, and 10 rebounds to help the Nuggets beat the Memphis Grizzlies, 122-110. He also recorded two steals and one block in 32 minutes. 

Westbrook extended his lead over former triple-doubles king Oscar Robertson by 19 games. He has 62 more than Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson. His Nuggets teammate, big man Nikola Jokić, sits in fourth place with 136, and LeBron James rounds out the top five with 117.

“It’s a blessing,” Westbrook said after the game. “I’m truly grateful to be able to play the game well enough to do that. But I’m also appreciative of the ones who came before me.”

Bleacher Report reported the history-making accomplishment was Westbrook’s first triple-double of the season.

Eight years ago, Westbrook became the first NBA player to average a triple-double a game since Robertson accomplished that feat in the 1961-62 season. Westbrook won the Most Valuable Player that season. He repeated the feat three more seasons (2017-18, 2018-19, and 2020-21).

According to Sportscasting, the point guard also has 1,884 offensive rebounds, the most by a point guard in league history. Coincidentally, with less than two minutes remaining in the contest, Westbrook pulled down his only offensive rebound for the game, which brought his rebound total to 10.

Westbrook, 36, is playing in his 17th NBA season. His best years were spent with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He was drafted fourth overall in the 2008 NBA Draft. 

RELATED CONTENT: NBA Star Russell Westbrook Now Investor, Advisory Board Member At Little Kitchen Academy

×