Kendrick Lamar, Drake, lawsuit, Universal

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 15, 2025

Drake Sues Universal Music Group, Claims Label Boosted Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ To Damage Career

The rapper claims that UMG boosted "Not Like Us" to gain a financial advantage over him.

Drake is not quite done with his rap beef with Kendrick Lamar and is now threatening legal action against his own label, Universal Music Group.

The rapper has sued UMG for defamation, claiming the label boosted Lamar’s “Not Like Us” that promoted the “false and malicious narrative” of him being a pedophile. According to TMZ, Drake filed the case in federal court in New York City on Jan. 15.

In the filing, he argues that UMG released and promoted “Not Like Us,” which featured disparaging lyrics against the “Family Matters” rapper, to devalue his brand. Calling the hit song a “gold mine,” he accuses UMG of having a financial motive for releasing it.

In his argument, UMG was able to take advantage of this devaluation of Drake’s brand for future contract negotiations. He says the label did nothing to stop the “inflammatory and shocking allegations” detailed in the song. The chart-topper rose to No. 1 on the Billboard 100.

Moreover, Drake’s team claims they have proof that UMG used its position to boost the song. This proposed evidence includes UMG’s payout to third-party sources that used bots for streaming purposes and a “pay for play” scheme with a radio promoter.

He also argued that UMG played a role in getting Lamar the coveted headlining spot for the Super Bowl Halftime Show. Calling it one of the “most significant cultural events of the year,” Drake believes that this booking only furthers their alleged plot to gain more out of their contract with Drake.

The news came shortly after Drake retracted his other suit against UMG and Spotify in New York State court. While many assumed Drake had ended the legal battle over this rap beef, he merely doubled down on his grievances against UMG.

He accused UMG of having “approved, published, and launched a campaign to create a viral hit out of a rap track,” as reported by The New York Times. Furthermore, he said they “intended to convey the specific, unmistakable, and false factual allegation that Drake is a criminal pedophile and to suggest that the public should resort to vigilante justice in response.”

The vigilante justice mentioned may also refer to the multiple shootings at or surrounding his residence in Toronto. One of these instances resulted in the shooting of one of his security guards.

However, Drake emphasized that the lawsuit was not against Lamar but the players who made his song a worldwide hit. Drake remains one of UMG’s top artists, and his last contract was allegedly signed for a reported $400 million.

“This lawsuit is not about the artist who created ‘Not Like Us,” wrote the filing. “It is, instead, entirely about UMG, the music company that decided to publish, promote, exploit, and monetize [Not Like Us.]”

However, before contract discussions begin, Drake wants to ensure his fair treatment and is going through federal channels to do so.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, At-Word Program, graduates

by Kandiss Edwards

January 15, 2025

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens Leaves X For Bluer Skies

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens is joining BlueSky.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens is leaving X (formerly Twitter) in favor of Bluesky, a rising social media platform. While he did not provide a specific reason for the switch, he encouraged his followers to follow him on Bluesky.

Despite his departure from X, Dickens emphasized that any emergency communications would still be posted on the platform.

“Effective today, I’m leaving,” he wrote. “In the event of an emergency, updates will still be posted here. Stay connected: follow me on BlueSky (http://andreforatlanta.com) and join me there if you haven’t already. I’m excited to continue the conversation on this new platform!”

Effective today, I’m leaving X. In the event of an emergency, updates will still be posted here. Stay connected: follow me on BlueSky (https://t.co/bsRXqXJ3ml) and join me there if you haven’t already. I’m excited to continue the conversation on this new platform!

— Andre Dickens (@andreforatlanta) January 14, 2025

Since the re-election of President-elect Donald Trump, Dickens isn’t the only notable figure to depart X, which has seen a rise in user dissatisfaction. Leading up to the election, many users voiced concerns about a significant increase in right-wing content and forced interactions with Elon Musk, the platform’s owner.

Some users reported that Musk’s posts, as well as other pro-Trump content, dominated their feeds, even if they had blocked Musk. A study conducted by the Queensland University of Technology backed up these concerns.

The research found that Musk’s content saw a dramatic surge in engagement, with his posts receiving 138 percent more views and 238 percent more retweets after his endorsement of Trump. The study’s findings suggested that certain posts, particularly those aligned with Musk’s views, experienced a visibility boost that wasn’t in line with general platform trends.

This raised questions about whether the algorithm was influencing public discourse and whether the platform remained neutral.

“The results imply that while some aspects of engagement on the platform appear to have been enhanced broadly, specific visibility advantages may have been selectively applied, raising important questions about the potential impact of algorithmic adjustments on public discourse and the ‘neutrality’ of social media platforms as information carriers,” the report stated.

Following the presidential election, X’s update to its terms of service further fueled concerns, particularly around personal data security and how AI might be used to curate content, potentially involving users’ intellectual property. These changes contributed to a growing distrust of the platform, with many prominent users deciding to leave in favor of alternatives like Bluesky.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 15, 2025

Boxers Gervonta Davis And Terence Crawford Exchange Words—Not Punches—Online

The boxers traded barbs on X.

A social media spat between boxers happened not over a fight, but because of a party.

According to Complex, The Ring Magazine held an awards ceremony in London to honor several top boxers. Gervonta “Tank” Davis wasn’t invited and felt a way about that. (Among the issues, Davis reportedly is not on great terms with one of the magazine’s owners, Sheikh Turki Alalshikh.)

Adams headed to social media, where he started posting derogatory messages (since deleted) aimed at Alalshikh and several attendees.

Boxer Terence Crawford didn’t help matters when he responded to Adams’ deluge of messages.

I see somebody mad they wasn’t invited to the @ringmagazine gala.😂😂

— Terence Crawford (@terencecrawford) January 14, 2025

Davis, in a deleted post captured by the fightgistmedia Instagram account, said, “And I still make more than you.”

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A post shared by Fight Gist Media (@fightgistmedia)

The response didn’t seem to bother Crawford too much, but he got in a couple of jabs.

First thing a dumb rich person say to another rich person is I got more money than you! I bet you I own more investments than you and I don’t owe a dollar in taxes.😉 you can’t buy nothing I can’t buy that I want sir and that a fact. Let’s see who money last the longest smart guy

— Terence Crawford (@terencecrawford) January 14, 2025

Davis responded mostly in all caps, hurling vulgarities at Crawford and claiming that Crawford doesn’t have more money than him.

Then Crawford threw another jab at Tank.

“By the way, little guy, don’t speak too soon because you definitely not making more than me fight who’s been fighting,” he wrote. “That’s why you talking about fighting Ryan (Garcia) again.”

A fight in the ring between Adams and Crawford would make for great theater, but since they’re in different weight classes, a sanctioned boxing match is an impossibility. Oh, well.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 15, 2025

Study Finds Hairstylists For Black And Latina Clients Face High Exposure To Airborne Toxins

A new study reveals salons serving predominantly Black and Latina clients may expose workers to elevated levels of harmful airborne chemicals.

Johns Hopkins researchers highlighted findings from their study in the Journal of Environmental Exposure Assessment on Jan. 14. The study marks the first report on indoor air concentrations of various volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in U.S. hair salons catering to Black and Latina women.

The study expands on earlier Johns Hopkins research, which revealed that Black and Hispanic hairdressers had higher levels of chemicals from hair relaxers, dyes, and other salon products in their bodies compared to office workers. However, the previous research did not measure the air concentrations of these chemicals.

“At the root of the problem are the products used on clients’ hair,” said Lesliam Quirós-Alcalá, Ph.D., a senior study author and associate professor in the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering.

“Manufacturers of haircare products need to focus on developing safer options that don’t put hairstylists or consumers in harm’s way.”

In animal studies, several volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in products such as chemical relaxers, straighteners, and smoothing treatments have been associated with neurodevelopmental and reproductive effects. These VOCs potentially endanger both women and their unborn children. Female hairstylists are more vulnerable to these harmful chemicals as many are of reproductive age and work during crucial periods before and during pregnancy.

In addition to the neurodevelopmental and reproductive effects the VOCs have, these compounds have been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular issues, skin irritation, and cancer. Black and Latina women comprise approximately 30% of the predominantly female, low-wage workforce of hairstylists, according to Quirós-Alcalá.

Many women in this field face increased challenges, including exposure to chemical and non-chemical stressors, along with limited access to healthcare and insurance. These factors significantly heighten their health risks and contribute to environmental health disparities within this demographic.

Researchers recommend improving ventilation in salons as a practical solution, given the limited availability of safer hair product alternatives.

“While limiting product use could help, it may not always be practical due to client demands and a lack of safer alternatives,” Quirós-Alcalá said. “To reduce VOC exposures in hair salons, it is also critical to prioritize adequate ventilation.”

Manufacturers advise salons to use fans, air purifiers, masks, and gloves during chemical-intensive services to minimize exposure. Additionally, opening doors and windows when possible can help enhance indoor air quality.

“These simple measures have the potential to significantly decrease exposures to VOCs and other chemicals in salon environments,” she said.

Starbucks, closures, restructuring, tariffs

by Kandiss Edwards

January 15, 2025

Starbucks Is No Longer Allows Non-Paying Customers Access To Its Facilities

Starbucks is no longer allowing nonpaying customers in its buildings.

Starbucks is ending its open-door policy for non-paying patrons. The company’s new Code of Conduct outlines areas within its establishments that are now off-limits to those who do not make a purchase.

“We want to ensure our spaces are prioritized for use by our customers,” the code states. “Our spaces -– including our cafes, patios, and restrooms -– are for use by customers and partners.”

Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson released a statement to Fox News Digital, emphasizing the company’s commitment to creating the best environment for patrons. She said the best way to achieve this is by setting “clear expectations” and excluding individuals who do not purchase products.

“We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in our stores,” Anderson said. “By setting clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces, we can create a better environment for everyone.”

The code of conduct also encourages employees to ask any persons vaping, smoking, and panhandling to leave the premises.

This marks a full departure from Starbucks’s open-door policy, which it instituted in 2018. Then-Chairman Howard Schultz specified that all individuals were welcome to use the restroom, even without the intention to make a purchase.

“We don’t want to become a public bathroom,” Schultz said, “but we’re going to make the right decision a hundred percent of the time and give people the key.”

The 2018 policy change followed an incident in which Rashon Nelson and Donte Robinson were arrested for not purchasing anything while waiting for a third companion. The incident, which involved a contentious exchange between the men and Starbucks employees, made headlines.

Nelson and Robinson settled with the company, received an undisclosed amount of money, and guaranteed four years of college tuition. The men also settled their claim with the city of Philadelphia over the arrest for $1. As part of the agreement, the city is required to create a program for young entrepreneurs.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 15, 2025

Coco Jones To Perform National Anthem At College Football Playoff National Championship

The rest of the game's entertainment will have an Atlanta feel.

The entertainment for Jan. 20’s College Football Playoff National Championship between Ohio State and Notre Dame is all set, highlighted by Coco Jones singing the national anthem prior to kickoff.

Jones will be joined by award-winning musician, composer, arranger, and music director Adam Blackstone.

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A post shared by College Football Playoff (@cfbplayoff)

Before she displays her vocal skills, a Joint Armed Forces Color Guard from the United States Central Command will carry flags that represent the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. A giant American flag will be unfurled by volunteers within the Atlanta community.

The Spelman College Glee Club, celebrating its 100th year, will perform “America the Beautiful” prior to the national anthem.

Johrgia Peaches, a 14-year-old eighth-grader from Newnan, will perform “America the Beautiful” in American Sign Language (ASL), while 20-year-old Alexander Charlot, a 12th-grade student from Monroe, will do the same for “Star-Spangled Banner” in ASL.

Peaches and Charlot are students at the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf (AASD), a state school serving over 110 Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students from over 27 school districts all over the metro Atlanta area.

The marching bands from both schools will perform on the field before the game and during halftime.

Since the contest takes place on Martin Luther King Day, the Civil Rights icon daughter’s, Dr. Bernice A. King, CEO of The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, will flip the coin at the start of the game.

The pregame activities start at 7:30 p.m. ET, with the game starting at 7:45 p.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The pregame, halftime, and postgame entertainment will be produced by Michael T. Fiur Productions.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 15, 2025

Gov. Greg Abbott Threatens Job Of Texas A&M President Over Concerns University Broke DEI Ban

Abbott expressed that the president would be gone unless he reversed a decision to invite students to a DEI-focused conference.

Gov. Greg Abbott seemingly threatened the job of Texas A&M University President Mark Welsh III over concerns that the school broke a statewide DEI ban.

Abbott had choice words for the university’s president after news broke of the school participating in a conference that restricted attendance to only people of color. According to the Texas Tribune, a conservative activist reportedly shared the university’s email, including details of the DEI-focused event. It prioritized inviting staffers and Ph.D. students who identified as Black, Hispanic, or Native American.

An X user then asked Abbott and the state attorney general for their action on the issue. Abbott responded that he would not tolerate such activity and would hold Welsh accountable for allowing it to occur. He stated that it “violates” not only state law but also the U.S. Constitution. Furthermore, he alleged that the president could face termination.

Hell, no.

It’s against Texas law and violates the US Constitution.

It will be fixed immediately or the president will soon be gone. https://t.co/g3VTUXWvLb
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) January 14, 2025

“Hell, no,” expressed Abbott. “It’s against Texas law and violates the U.S. Constitution. It will be fixed immediately or the president will soon be gone.”

The ban, known as Senate Bill 17, prohibits public universities from having DEI offices. It also prohibits DEI training or “preferential treatment” based on sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin.

However, the email already stated that the university system’s general counsel ensured the conference’s compliance with the DEI ban. In light of the growing controversy, Welsh also released a statement affirming that the school abides by these regulations.

A statement from Texas A&M University President Mark A. Welsh III: Texas A&M does not support any organization, conference, process or activity that excludes people based on race, creed, gender, age or any other discriminating factor. The intent of SB-17 is very clear in that…
— Texas A&M University (@TAMU) January 14, 2025

“Texas A&M does not support any organization, conference, process or activity that excludes people based on race, creed, gender, age or any other discriminating factor,” detailed the academic leader. “The intent of SB-17 is very clear in that regard. We will continue to honor both the letter and the intent of the law.”

However, Welsh expressed in another email that he and the administrators had not “fully considered the spirit of our state law” when sending out the invitation. He then seemingly agreed with the governor’s remarks on the attendance requirement. In light of this, Welsh decided to forego sending anyone to the conference on behalf of Texas A&M.

“This particular conference’s limitations on the acceptable race of attendees is not in line with the intent of SB 17, and, as a result, we will not be sending anyone to participate in this conference,” he wrote to the Mays Business School. “We need to be sure that attendance at those events is aligned with the very clear guidance we’ve been given by our governing bodies.”

The DEI ban remains controversial nationwide, with a mix of supporters and opposers within the state. However, Texas lawmakers expect to revisit its regulations and potentially expand them this year.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 15, 2025

Donald Trump Claims His ‘Historic Victory’ In the Election Led To Peace Agreement Between Israel And Hamas

Donald Trump announces that a peace agreement has been reached in the Middle East and cites his election win.

Incoming President Donald Trump has announced a deal has been reached between Israel and Hamas that will release the hostages being held since Oct. 7, 2023.

Trump took to his Truth Social platform on Wednesday morning amid growing reports of a peace agreement being reached in the Middle East for a ceasefire.

“We have a deal for the hostages in the Middle East,” Trump wrote.

While President Joe Biden and his administration have been working around the clock to reach a deal before Biden’s term ends on Monday, Trump beat the White House to the punch on social media by announcing the agreement and seemingly taking credit.

“This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November, as it signaled to the entire World that my Administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans and our Allies,” he wrote in a Truth Social post.

“We have achieved so much without even being in the White House,” Trump continued. “Just imagine all of the wonderful things that will happen when I return to the White Hous, and my administration is fully confirmed, so they can secure more Victories for the United States!”

President Biden has since acknowledged the ceasefire, emphasizing the importance of continued negotiations for a permanent truce. Prior to his inauguration, Trump warned that “all Hell will break loose” if the hundreds of Israeli hostages were not freed by noon on Jan. 20th.

As the news unfolded, Marco Rubio, the likely incoming Secretary of State, pointed out during his confirmation hearing that Trump’s advisors had collaborated closely with current Secretary of State Tony Blinken’s team to finalize the deal, with the Qatari government playing a crucial role as intermediaries.

The Qataris are scheduled to hold a press briefing soon to announce the deal officially. President Biden will also address the media, according to the White House. Under the agreement, 33 hostages are expected to be released as early as this weekend, forming the first group to be freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has stated that a ceasefire deal has not yet been finalized, with some unresolved details. But, many hope that “details will be finalized tonight.” The announcement follows 466 days of conflict after Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Gaza’s Health Ministry says the death toll from the Israel-Hamas war has climbed above 46,000.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 15, 2025

The Grave Of Octavia Butler, Writer Who Once Prophesied LA Fires, Still Stands In Altadena Cemetery

Butler's work has resurfaced for its depictions of the future seemingly coming to life.

The grave of Octavia Butler, whose novel Parable Of The Sower imagined fires engulfing Los Angeles, still stands at a local cemetery in Altadena.

Butler’s work has gained new traction after seemingly prophesying the tragedy that still threatens metro Los Angeles. In a coincidence, despite her grave site’s location in one of the main communities impacted by the fires, the cemetery’s website confirmed minimal damage to the grounds.

While a spokesperson for Mountain View cemetery confirmed to The Associated Press that the property still stands, so do the harrowing words of Butler. Written in 1993, Parable of the Sower depicts a future Los Angeles. Eerily set in 2025, the city is ravaged by fires prompted by climate change and other environmental concerns. Moreover, these issues become worsened by racism and economic disparities.

The first fire in the novel only foreshadowed the flames to come, with some calling Butler’s reading a warning. The book’s 1998 sequel, Parable of the Talents, also depicts an authoritative politician who sought to “Make America Great Again.” While currently associated with President-elect Donald Trump, Butler originally heard the phrase used by Ronald Reagan. However, the similarities between her decades-old literature and real life remain uncanny.

Butler also grew up in Altadena’s neighboring community of Pasadena, hence her nearby burial. Prior to her 2005 death, a student asked her about her own belief about whether the world was heading toward destruction.

“I didn’t make up the problems,” remarked Butler. “All I did was look around at the problems we’re neglecting now and give them about 30 years to grow into full-fledged disasters.”

The Kindred novelist remains heralded as an esteemed writer for science fiction and Afrofuturism. Her legacy continues to live on in her hometown as well. A bookstore named in her honor currently serves as a donation center for fire victims.

Butler did share a glimpse into a future that has seemingly come to life. However, she encouraged hope to change the narrative through her 2000 essay “A Few Rules for Predicting the Future.” With lessons such as learning from the past and to anticipate the surprises, she didn’t want her work to scare readers. Instead, she aimed to make them aware and continue the fight for a better fate.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 15, 2025

Is New York City Congestion Pricing Working?

After implementing “congestion pricing” for vehicle travel into the busiest sections of Manhattan, New York’s MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) is claiming that charging folks to enter certain areas is “working,” according to figures for the first week.

According to The New York Post, although the agency is trying to make people feel they’ve made the right move to add more financial burdens to those affected by it, critics don’t believe them. Officials from the MTA have stated in their first report that travel times on the bridges that connect the outer boroughs to Manhattan, south of 61st Street, was down by as much as 40% during the first week. They also claim that car traffic south of 61st Street fell by 16% from October and 7.5% from the same time in January 2024. That amounts to 273,000 fewer cars for the first week of congestion pricing in comparison to last year’s numbers.

The transit agency stated that “anecdotal reports” show traffic is moving better in the congestion zone due to the $9 price point for cars (trucks and larger vehicles pay more based on several different factors). They said more people are taking public transportation, as ridership has increased.

“I think it’s obvious to everybody here that it has been a very good week here in New York,” MTA Deputy Chief of Policy and External Relations Juliette Michaelson told reporters on Monday. “Just look out the window. There is less traffic and quicker streets. I think everybody can see it.”

Critics do not believe what the MTA is touting.

“The MTA math is more than fuzzy — it’s fugazi,” City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Queens) said. “I believe in their mathematical skills as much as I believed in their timeline for the Second Avenue subway.”

Susan Lee, who runs New Yorkers Against Congestion Taxes, also had a differing opinion.

“January is usually the slowest month of the year,” said Lee, who lives in the Tribeca section of Manhattan. “While some areas experience less traffic, others have seen higher than average congestion due to drivers avoiding paying the congestion pricing tax. The MTA should be careful what they’re celebrating.”

And there is another factor that the MTA may not have included when reporting these numbers.

The city just weathered some snow and below-freezing temperatures during the same time, which may have had an effect on people not leaving their homes. So far, this has been the coldest January in recent years.