sneakers, Nicki minaj
by Mary Spiller

March 30, 2024

Nicki Minaj Crashes LØCI Website With New Sneaker Drop

The hip-hop star is set to release of her latest collaboration with Black-owned vegan sneaker and apparel brand LØCI.

Hip-hop star Nicki Minaj is making waves in the fashion industry with the release of her latest collaboration with Black-owned vegan sneaker and apparel brand LØCI. The preliminary release of her sneaker collection reportedly caused the website to crash due to a 3,500% surge in website traffic on March 29.

Minaj announced the launch of her sneaker brand on Instagram. She teamed up with LØCI to put out 11 different designs, which are set to be released in full on April 12.

She captioned the post, “4/12 = 11 new pairs of my OWN sneakers. 11 completely different designs for you to choose from. An absolute dream come true. I can’t WAIT for you guys to see my 1st collection!!!! Link in bio to SIGN UP NOW.” 

“Thank you to my team for helping me make this dream come to fruition. This isn’t a sponsorship. I’m an owner & partner & we will be showing you the first complete collection on 4/12. Love you BARBZ. THANK YOU.”

The extreme popularity of the initial drop has brought attention to Minaj’s dedicated fans and the way they show up in droves for the “Pink Friday” rapper.

As reported by Forbes, this isn’t the first time Minaj has gotten involved in products outside of music; she’s partnered with fragrance, clothing, and even technology brands in the past. With the LØCI sneaker collection, Minaj has paired her bold vibes with the brand’s consistent commitment to sustainable clothing.

The sneaker collection is completely made from vegan biomaterial, allowing Minaj’s iconic look to shine through. 

LØCI described, “Nicki has meticulously curated a collection that blends street-cool aesthetics with high-fashion chic. This exclusive drop epitomizes Nicki’s bold and vibrant style.”

Emmanuel Eribo, CEO of LØCI, said, “Partnering with Nicki is a humbling moment for us all. Having Nicki Minaj place her faith in us as an owner and her determination to elevate our brand on a global scale is a testament to our shared vision of challenging conventions and making a meaningful impact.”

LØCI is a well-known British brand that has had a lot of success in the United States for its innovation in sustainable manufacturing in its apparel.

RELATED CONTENT: Slick Rick, Nicki Minaj, And More To Display Their Jewelry In American Museum Of Natural History Exhibit

Michelle Obama's Brother, Discrimination Lawsuit, Private School
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 30, 2024

TikTok Rapper Ordered To Pay Sony Music $800K For Not Clearing Sample

Trefuego was sued for using a “blatant” sample from a Japanese instrumental song that was released in 1986.

A TikTok rapper who was sued in 2021 by Sony Music was ordered to pay the music giant more than $800,000 in damages for copyright infringement after using one of its songs in a track he released.

According to Billboard, Dantreal Daevon Clark-Rainbolt, who goes by the moniker Trefuego, was sued by Sony Music for using a “blatant” sample from “Reflections,” a Japanese instrumental song released in 1986. The artist used an illegal sample in his song “90mh.” A federal judge on March 27 ordered that the rapper pay $802,997.23 for using the sample without getting clearance from the label.

“The court hopes this case will serve as a $802,997.23 lesson for defendant in carefully selecting the materials included in his raps,” U.S. District Judge Mark T. Pittman stated in announcing his decision.

Pittman said the $802,997 would cover the approximate $700,000 Trefuego earned from Spotify and other platforms, and the approximately $100,000 paid to Sony Music in licensing fees. Also included with that judgment, he ordered the rapper to pay ongoing royalties, including half of the publishing revenue and a 20% cut of recording revenue, and repaying $2,230 in legal costs incurred by the music company.

Sony went after Trefuego in January 2021, notifying him that his song “90mh” used the uncleared sample of “Reflections,” which was released by Japanese composer Toshifumi Hinata. The company filed takedown requests in August 2022 to get the record removed and finally launched the lawsuit in December.

Music Business Worldwide reported that the song went viral on social media platforms TikTok and YouTube and totaled over 170 million streams on Spotify. The media outlet pointed out that Trefuego’s “90mh” sampled and looped Hinata’s song for the track.

The judge permitted Sony to contact Trefuego through his social media accounts since he didn’t respond to Sony’s prior attempts to get a response from the rapper. In his decision, Judge Pittman wrote, “In this case, Sony pursued a reasonable, non-frivolous claim to vindicate infringement of its copyrighted work and that “some may query the wisdom of pursuing a claim against a relatively small fish like Trefuego, but that fact does not render Sony’s motivation improper or their lawsuit unreasonable.”

“In fact, the only unreasonable behavior in this case was Defendant’s, as his consistent attempts to evade service and eschew meaningful communications stymied case progress and drove up Sony’s costs.”

RELATED CONTENT: Ozzy Osbourne Blasts Kanye West’s Sampling Of Black Sabbath, Issues Cease-And-Desist Order

Malcolm X, daughters, lawsuit, Ben Crump
by Jameelah Mullen

March 30, 2024

Seattle Opera’s ‘X: The Life And Times Of Malcolm X’ Receives Rave Reviews For Groundbreaking Representation And Powerful Performance

Anthony Davis’ poignant opera premiered in September 1986 at the New York City Opera. It recently made its way to Seattle.

The much-touted opera “X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X” was met with rave reviews during its run by the Seattle Opera at McCaw Hall earlier this month. The production is part of an effort to bring more inclusive content to Black audiences. 

“’X — the first opera by a Black composer to run on Seattle Opera’s mainstage — is a continuation of efforts by Seattle Opera to bring Black stories to its stages and Black audiences through its doors. It’s also an opportunity for the ‘X’ cast and Black community members to reflect on what it means to produce this opera today, and the kinds of stories they hope to see in the future,” the show’s star, Kenneth Kellogg, told The Seattle Times. 

The opera was composed by Anthony Davis, with the libretto by renowned playwright Thulani Davis.

The groundbreaking production is a co-production of the Metropolitan Opera, Detroit Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Opera Omaha, and Seattle Opera.

The cast of “The Life and Times of Malcolm X” includes Jace Johnson, who plays the role of young Malcolm X, and Leah Hopkins, who has dual roles. She first stars as Louise Little, Malcolm’s mother, and then the vocal powerhouse re-emerges on stage as Malcolm X’s wife, Betty Shabazz. Kellogg wowed the audience with his rich, booming voice in the role of an adult Malcolm X.

The opera incorporates several musical genres, including jazz and Afrobeat, to tell the story of Malcolm X’s life. Act I depicts the civil rights leader’s traumatic childhood when he was orphaned at an early age after his father was killed in a racially motivated hate crime and his mother was institutionalized after experiencing a mental breakdown.

It then follows Malcolm as he moves to Boston and then Harlem, where he begins committing crimes, including a robbery that led him to a serve a seven-year prison stint, before joining the Nation of Islam. After joining the Nation, he become one of the most prominent leaders in history. 

Renowned choreographer Rickey Tripp led the dancers. Costume designer Dede Ayite helped move the story forward with her eye-catching period costumes. 

Attendee Micah J said that the show helped him “feel seen” as a Black man. 

“Overall, this opera worked very well as a catalyst for people like me who need to do more research on Malcolm X’s life, as it conveyed valuable information through an elegant medium. The only fear I have is that the many white people who came to see an opera will leave it with no context for how significant the life of Malcolm X was and still is to Black people in America today,” the 17-year-old wrote in Real Change News.

X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X premiered in Seattle on Feb. 24 and continued through March 9. 

Isabella Strahan, Michael Strahan, Fever
by Stacy Jackson

March 30, 2024

Isabella Strahan’s YouTube Series Chronicles New Challenges As She Struggles To Walk Amid Second Round Of Chemotherapy

Strahan said she can barely walk without getting lightheaded breathless, but the exhaustion feels completely different from her head pains.

A recent update on 19-year-old Isabella Strahan’s YouTube series revealed new battles for the model after undergoing her second round of chemotherapy. The daughter of Good Morning America co-host Michael Strahan is dealing with symptoms amid her second round of chemotherapy for her brain tumor.

The March 27 post, “Vlog 17: Mood for food!,” followed Strahan at the Duke Children’s Hospital & Health Center in Durham, North Carolina, following her treatment. “I feel like every time I come here, I have a new problem,” the teen said. “Last time it was my head,” which episode 12 of her series noted sent her in for a second craniotomy. This time, she said she could barely walk without getting lightheaded or out of breath.

She described the head pain and exhaustion as complete opposite symptoms. “At least when I wanted to cut off my head, I could take pain medicine. Like, now I can’t take like anti-exhaustion medicine.” Strahan shared that this time around she is actually in the mood for food when she leaves the hospital. “I feel like I’m eating more, but I weigh less,” she added while covered up in her favorite blanket, which features several positive words like “faith,” “strength” and “courage.”

The post confirmed that Strahan is eating two meals a day now.

BLACK ENTERPRISE previously mentioned the student’s battle with severe fevers following her first round of chemo. The persistent fevers had landed her back in the hospital less than 12 hours after being discharged.

Strahan has posted 17 installments of her chemo journey so far since undergoing an emergency surgery last October to remove a medulloblastoma brain tumor. The tumor was removed on Oct. 27, 2023.

She has also used her platform to call attention to LSU safety Greg Brooks Jr., who BE noted also underwent surgery for a cancer diagnosis last year. The college football player was also diagnosed with the rare medulloblastoma. Strahan dedicated Vlog 16 to Brooks Jr. as she and her family paraded the hospital room with “Pray for Greg Brooks Jr.” sweaters. Following Strahan’s initial attempt to get in contact with the athlete who’s story has inspired her, she connected with the family through his grandmother, who had reached out.

The teen continues to encourage donations for The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke.

RELATED CONTENT: Isabella Strahan Hospitalized After Experiencing Severe Fever

Rodney, lawsuit, Jones, producer, lawsuit, Diddy, Delon, Ciroc, Diego, wine, spirits, racism, black
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 30, 2024

Journalist Touré Reveals Relative Was Let Go From Diddy Internship For Refusing Mogul’s Advances

'Come home, stay the night with me, or the internship is over,' Diddy allegedly said

In a recent interview on MSNBC, journalist Touré told Joy Reid that a relative who got an internship with Sean “Diddy” Combs allegedly left the position because he wouldn’t “stay the night with” the mogul.

Touré posted the video clip of the interview he did on The ReidOut on March 26 on his Instagram account. He was discussing a conversation that took place with one of his male family members about the reason his relative left the internship with Diddy over a decade ago. With the recent federal raid and lawsuits accusing the “Bad Boy” founder of sexual misconduct, the conversation veered toward the rumored sexual exploits from his past.

Touré told Reid that due to his relationship with Diddy, he was able to convince him to bring his male relative on for an internship, but after only a few months, he “abruptly” left. He said he asked his relative what happened, but he never gave him the reason. Later, he wondered why the internship had ended.

“I spoke to my family member like, ‘What happened?’ And they wouldn’t say. And I’m like, ‘Why did it end?’ And they wouldn’t say. And years later, they finally came out — and this is a male — and said that Puff had said, ‘Come home, stay the night with me, or the internship is over.’ And they said, ‘Absolutely not.’ ‘Absolutely not.’ And the internship ended. But from there, I was like, oh, like, this is how it goes, OK. So to hear that things went even further with potentially allegedly many other people…we feel like we’ve seen this coming.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Toure (@toureshow)

On March 25, Homeland Security raided several properties in Miami, New York, and Los Angeles that Diddy owns. The action took place after multiple lawsuits were filed alleging sexual assault and harassment by the music producer. The agency put out a statement after news of the raids were reported.

“Earlier today, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York executed law enforcement actions as part of an ongoing investigation, with assistance from HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami, and our local law enforcement partners,” Homeland Security said in a written statement.

Jussie Smollett, new film, The Lost Holliday, Vivica A. Fox
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 30, 2024

Jussie Smollett Will Have His Day As Illinois Supreme Court Agrees To Hear His Appeal Of Conviction

The court will review a state appellate court ruling from December 2023 that upheld the 2021 conviction by a Cook County jury

On March 27, the Illinois Supreme Court agreed to hear an appeal of Empire actor Jussie Smollett’s 2021 conviction after being found guilty of organizing an attack in which he stated that two men assaulted him in Chicago, according to The Associated Press. 

Smollett was convicted on charges of faking a racist, homophobic attack in 2019 and lying about it to Chicago police. The court will review a state appellate court ruling from December 2023 that upheld the 2021 conviction by a Cook County jury. A court date has not been determined yet.

Illinois’ First District Appellate Court dismissed those claims with a 2-1 decision, stating that no one promised Smollett that he wouldn’t face another prosecution when he accepted the original deal. Justice Freddrenna Lyle, one of the judges, dissented and stated that the refiled charges were “fundamentally unfair.”

When Smollett’s attorneys submitted the appeal, they stated that the 2021 trial violated his Fifth Amendment right against double jeopardy. Before the trial, Smollett had already performed community service and forfeited a $10,000 bond. That was part of the 2019 deal he had with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office when they initially dropped the charges. When he was on trial, his attorneys said he was punished twice for the same crime.

The attorneys believe the office of prosecutor Kim Foxx used proper discretion when they dropped the original charges years ago.

The appeal stated, “If Mr. Smollett’s convictions are allowed to stand, this case will set a dangerous precedent by giving prosecutors a second bite at the apple any time there is dissatisfaction with another prosecutor’s exercise of discretion.”

Smollett was found guilty of five counts of disorderly conduct for setting up the attack on a Chicago street (Empire was filmed in Chicago). He claimed two men assaulted him while saying slurs and placing a noose around his neck. Smollett was accused of paying two brothers, whom he met on the set of the television show, $3,500 to launch the attack.

Smollett was sentenced to 150 days in jail, but he had already served six days before he was freed pending appeal. He was also given 30 months of probation and ordered to pay $130,160 in restitution to the state.

Elaine Brown, Black Panthers, Black Lives Matter
by Stacy Jackson

March 30, 2024

Black Lives Matter Honors Elaine Brown With $1 Million Contribution To The Activist’s Nonprofit Organization

Elaine Brown's nonprofit is developing a 79-unit, affordable housing complex in Oakland.

Black Lives Matter honored the life and work of Elaine Brown with a groundbreaking $1 million contribution to support the activist’s organization, Oakland & the World Enterprises (OAW).

The contribution, presented during a March 26 celebration, is dedicated to advance Brown’s vision for Black liberation, community wealth, and self-determination as the organization has developed initiatives like The Black Panther complex to restore the historical legacy of the author’s West Oakland community. “The collaboration between Black Lives Matter and Elaine Brown’s OAW marks a significant step toward realizing her vision and building a pathway to freedom for Black communities,” a press release stated.

Renowned for her decades-long activism and leadership within the Black Panther Party, Brown returned to the city to reignite the spirit of the Panthers. OAW’s outreach aims to empower formerly incarcerated individuals and those from socioeconomically marginalized backgrounds through the development of cooperatively-owned businesses and affordable housing.

However, the event highlighted a broader campaign to garner additional financial support and backing for initiatives that share an identical mission to Brown’s.

Speakers included Brown, BART Board Director Lateefah Simon, Keith Carson from the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, and Congresswoman Barbara Lee. The community leaders highlighted the honorees contributions to the Black community and her fight for social justice.

As previously mentioned by BLACK ENTERPRISE, OAW started a 79-unit, 100% affordable housing project for extremely low-income families. She obtained a license from the city to break ground on the $80-million project with Antoine Long as the project manager. According to the press release, OAW’s development is estimated to be completed by early June. Businesses established by the nonprofit will reside in the Oakland complex.

Brown, who was chairperson of the Black Panther Party from 1974 to 1977, released A Taste of Power in 1993, an autobiography about the activist’s leadership as the first and only female of the group and how she worked her way up to a position of power in the male-dominated organization. Singer and actress Alicia Keys is set to portray the role of Brown in a slated film.

RELATED CONTENT: Meet The Woman Who Once Led The Black Panthers and Is Now Leading The Fight For Affordable Housing in Oakland

Jonathan Majors, Comeback
by Rafael Pena

March 29, 2024

Jonathan Majors’ Second Chance? Marvel Fans Rally Behind Actor’s Comeback

Jonathan Majors fans are rallying behind him as he prepares for a potential comeback.

The rollercoaster journey of Jonathan Majors from rising star to facing criminal charges has captivated Hollywood audiences. Despite recent challenges, Majors’ fans are rallying behind him as he prepares for a potential comeback, showcasing resilience in the face of adversity, according to Fandom Wire.

Majors’ ascent in the entertainment industry seemed unstoppable, with notable roles in projects like “Lovecraft Country” and “The Harder They Fall,” solidifying his status as a promising talent. However, a recent guilty verdict in a misdemeanor assault and harassment case dealt a severe blow to his career. His talent agency dropped him, and he experienced the loss of high-profile projects, including his role as Kang in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). It all left many questioning his future in Hollywood.

Yet, recent reports of Majors’ rigorous training regimen in preparation for a new role have reignited hope among fans. The actor’s determination to bounce back has garnered widespread support, with many drawing parallels to other actors who successfully revived their careers after facing legal troubles.

Fans, disappointed by Majors’ dismissal from the role of Kang, have urged Disney to reconsider its decision and rehire him for the coveted MCU role. The outpouring of encouragement reflects the admiration and respect Majors commands within the industry.

Despite setbacks, Marvel Studios’ decision to retain Kang as a central villain in future Avengers films suggests that the character’s legacy will endure, albeit with potential casting changes. Reports hinting at actor Colman Domingo assuming the role of Kang has stirred speculation about the character’s future direction.

Another great actor who has made a comeback from adversity is Robert Downey Jr. According to The RIchest, he was once heralded as a rising star with a string of acclaimed performances; Downey’s career took a harrowing detour into the depths of substance abuse, alcoholism, and a prison stint. His downward spiral led to the loss of his fortune and the near-collapse of his once-promising career.

But from the ashes of adversity, Downey defied the odds, embarking on a journey of redemption that would ultimately see him reclaim his status as one of Tinseltown’s most bankable and highly-paid actors. His triumphant battle against addiction is a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit’s capacity for renewal.

In a stroke of casting genius, Downey was handpicked to embody the role of Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), a decision that raised eyebrows and stirred skepticism among industry insiders.

The question remains: can Majors make a similar comeback?

RELATED CONTENT: Jonathan Majors Sued By Ex-Partner Grace Jabbari For Assault And Defamation

Rihanna, Fenty
by Stacy Jackson

March 29, 2024

Rihanna Shares Desire To Braid Sons’ Hair: ‘It’s Something In Our Blood’

The singer told Vogue China braided hair is "a tradition left by our ancestors," so she immediately wanted to braid Rza's and Riot's hair.

As the muse for Vogue China‘s April issue, singer and business mogul Rihanna shared her desire to connect her sons to her roots with braids.

As a long-time avenue for self-expression and creative exploration, braided hairstyles have taken on a deeper meaning for the Fenty Beauty founder since becoming a mother. According to Vogue China, the 36-year-old entrepreneur’s perspective on hair has been reshaped by her newfound maternal role and an enhanced appreciation for the rich cultural heritage behind braiding traditions from diverse regions and communities around the world. This broadened understanding is partly influenced by her partner A$AP Rocky’s keen interest in the subject.

“This is a form of protection of our roots, and a tradition left by our ancestors… [it] makes us realize where we’ve come from,” Rihanna told Vogue China‘s Editor-in-Chief Margaret Zhang. “This is our lost history. I immediately wanted my children to have their hair braided… it’s something in our blood.”

The “Diamonds” singer’s April cover with Vogue China is a spread that embodies individuality through a range of cultural lenses. “When I learned that Rihanna’s co-curation of the issue was centered around beauty in individuality, I had to consider what else I could add to that conversation as an image-maker,” photographer Hailun Ma said, according to the magazine’s Instagram page.

As previously covered by BLACK ENTERPRISE, Rihanna discussed mothering her two sons with rapper A$AP Rocky: Rza, 1, and Riot, seven months.

“The most beautiful thing… is that [children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity, which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group,” the mother of two explained. “It’s really beautiful to see, and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be… they should embrace it completely because it’s beautiful, and it’s unique. I love them just that way.”

Rihanna mentioned how she is making her parents proud by living her dream.

On March 20, the superstar announced the expansion of Fenty Beauty to China. According to BE, the company debuted a 30-second commercial that featured women of color modeling products from the global beauty brand.

RELATED CONTENT: Rihanna Announces Fenty Beauty Expansion To China

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, At-Word Program, graduates
by Rafael Pena

March 29, 2024

22 Young Graduates In Atlanta Step Into Bright Futures Through Innovative Workforce Program

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens commended the graduates for their resilience and determination in overcoming challenges.

Nearly two dozen young individuals are celebrating a significant milestone as they graduate from a transformative program aimed at propelling them toward successful careers, WSBTV reports. Held at the At-Promise Center in southwest Atlanta, the March 28 graduation ceremony, witnessed the culmination of months of hard work and dedication. There were some 22 graduates of the center’s workforce development program, who were greeted and congratulated by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mayor Dickens commended the graduates for their resilience and determination to overcome challenges and carve out their own paths to success.

“You have had to be resilient, you had to be strong, and you had to be determined, and you met your challenges and lived to tell your own story,” Dickens remarked, acknowledging the journey undertaken by each graduate.

Participants also received invaluable lessons on financial management and interpersonal relationships, ensuring they were well-rounded in both their personal and professional lives.

The workforce development program, a collaboration between the Atlanta Police Foundation and Urban League, spanned three months and provided participants aged 16 to 24 with comprehensive professional and vocational training. From mock interviews to resume building, the program equipped them with essential skills to navigate the complexities of the job market.

“The investment you’ll make in them does way more than just change their lives. It really helps to shape our entire community and our city,” Dickens said, underscoring the collective responsibility to support and uplift the next generation of leaders and professionals.

While the At-Work Program is currently offered at only one of the city’s three At-Promise Centers, there are plans for expansion. Mayor Dickens called upon businesses and individuals to contribute to the program by offering coaching, mentorships, internships, and job opportunities, emphasizing the transformative impact such investments can have on the lives of young people and the broader community.

RELATED CONTENT: New Skills at Work Initiative Can Help Black Americans Compete in the Future of Work

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