O.J. Simpson, Wu Tang
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 7, 2023

O.J. Simpson Thought He Woke Up In Hell After Recent Surgery Because He Heard A Wu-Tang Clan Song

In a recent episode, O.J. discusses waking up from surgery and thinking he had gone to hell simply because he heard a Wu-Tang Clan song.

Former NFL great and controversial figure O.J. Simpson has appeared regularly on Cam’ron and Ma$e’s podcast, “It Is What It Is,” and has shared his sports knowledge while interacting with the duo and co-host, Treasure Wilson, aka Stats. In a recent episode, O.J. discusses waking up from surgery and thinking he had gone to hell simply because he heard a Wu-Tang Clan song.

The man, infamously known as “The Juice” during his NFL playing days, expressed how he was getting sleepy while driving and pulling up to stop lights. He recalled that he spoke to his doctor and was told to come in and had to have an operation right away.

Simpson says, “I went through a few things this week. First of all, the most poignant thing was I was getting sleepy at stoplights. So I called my doctor, went to the hospital, and they put me in immediately. Next thing I know, I got two crews of people talking about opening my chest and doing stuff to my heart.”

He explained that they decided to do a procedure, and while he was put to sleep, he said he woke up earlier than he was supposed to.

“I kinda woke up earlier. And I wake up in the middle of this, and they’re, like, blasting the Wu-Tang crew. And I’m thinking, ‘What is that I’m hearing?’ and it was the Wu-Tang crew. You know, I guess some people, when they do surgeries, they play Bach, or they play Chopin or something. But I’m hearing the Wu-Tang crew, and I’m thinking, ‘Oh, I know they ain’t playing this up here. Am I down here?’”

Cam’ron asked O.J. why they wouldn’t play Wu-Tang Clan in heaven.

“I don’t know, baby. I don’t know. I just suspected that wasn’t being played up there inside them pearly gates,” Simpson joked.

“It Is What It Is” podcast reunited Harlem childhood friends Cam’ron and Ma$e. The platform signed a deal allegedly worth eight figures with Underdog Fantasy. The show can be viewed several times weekly on their YouTube channel.

Cordell Broadus And Famous Father Snoop Dogg Launch Death Row Games
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 7, 2023

Cordell Broadus And Famous Father Snoop Dogg Launch Death Row Games

Snoop Dogg and his son Codell Broadus are expanding their business portfolio within the gaming space with the launch of Death Row Games.

Snoop Dogg and his son Cordell Broadus are expanding their business portfolio within the gaming space with the launch of Death Row Games.

As part of the new venture, Broadus will be focused on amplifying creatives from underserved communities by helping them develop and publish games in “Fortnite” through its Unreal Editor. Working alongside his father in the sector for the last six years has been nice. But the father-son duo were ready to expand their reach in gaming by boosting minority creators.

“We’ve been creating games, and none of them has been published anything on a huge scale, but on a very amateur level,” Broadus told AfroTech. “We’ve been around games for the last five to six years. And Snoop, he’s done mobile games. A few of them in the past five to six years in apps and stuff like that. So we’ve always had the mindset of building it on our own.”

He added, “We felt like let’s really put resources into building Death Row Games and making a home for diverse creators in the gaming ecosystem and be a part of the narrative, the storytelling of what the next game should be looking like.”

“And I keep saying ‘show representation of the culture in these sectors,’ versus us just being the talent. We wanted to make sure that we’re part of the decision that’s being made and more importantly tell these stories from diverse creators and focus on creatives in underserved communities.”

It’s a seamless working relationship as Broadus lends on his dad’s celebrity name and his father benefits from his son youthful energy and interest in the tech space.

“I think it’s dope for a father and a son to be working together for one, and for two he’s 51 years old,” Broadus explained. “So he may be out of touch with some of these things. And I’m always there to keep him up to speed and translate information to him in a tone that he can understand.”

“I think that’s more important… but just as much as I’m giving him game he’s given me the keys to make these decisions with a IP as big as his.”

RELATED CONTENT: Snoop Dogg Reveals New Partnership With The Children’s Place

Timbaland Credits Missy Elliot For His Success, ‘If It Wasn’t For Missy, I Probably Wouldn’t Be Timbaland’
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 7, 2023

Timbaland Credits Missy Elliot For His Success, ‘If It Wasn’t For Missy, I Probably Wouldn’t Be Timbaland’

Timbaland is reflecting back on his start in music and crediting Missy Elliot for being one of the first to believe in his unique sound.

Super producer Timbaland is reflecting back on his start in music and crediting Missy Elliot for being one of the first to believe in his unique sound.

The decorated Grammy award-winning producer was in Austin for AfroTech on Thursday, Nov. 2 for the “From Producer to Founder” panel and provided insight into his career journey. Music was always in his soul, Timbaland shared. But had it not been for one of his longtime collaborators, Timbaland might not be the mega-producer we know him as today.

“So my mom got me this Casio keyboard, which only had like a one-second sampler, and I’m like, ‘Well, what can I sample in one second?’ So what I did is [I] got creative, sped up the beat, the music, or what I was trying to sample real fast, plus put it on 45 and go to the end of the keyboard and slow down. So, I would take time and stretch it,” he explained.

“Once I found that I could do that, and it worked, then came along, you know, Magoo, he was always around as my friend, but not rapping, but he introduced me to the one who really started me and said I had a gift. [It] was Missy Elliott.”

18 Grammy nominations, four Grammy wins, and 200+ ASCAP Music awards later, Timbaland still credits Missy as the reason why he acquired success in mainstream music.

“So if it wasn’t for Missy, I probably wouldn’t be Timbaland today,” he said.

“She was the one that said, ‘Yo, you have a gift. Your sound is unique’ when I thought my sound was trash, but she thought it was unique and she pushed me to go super hard. And that’s when I knew that I wanted to be a producer.”

Timbaland’s praise of the “Supa Dupa Fly” rapper came one day before Missy Elliot became the first female rapper inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame joining the likes of Run-DMC, Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, N.W.A., and Tupac Shakur. She received her honor at the 38th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony last week at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on Friday.

RELATED CONTENT: Missy Elliott Makes History With Induction Into Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame

black voters
by Stacy Jackson

November 7, 2023

Black Girls Vote To Celebrate Black Women’s Success At Annual Ball in Baltimore

Leave it to Black Girls Vote to voice the concerns and interests of Black women all while encouraging them to exercise their right to vote.

Black Girls Vote, the nonpartisan organization committed to voicing the concerns and interests of Black women, is preparing to celebrate its 6th Annual Black Girls Vote Ball on Nov. 17 in Baltimore.

The annual event will happen at Martin’s West. Doors will open for a VIP reception at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. for general admission. This year, presenting sponsors include Wells Fargo, Planned Parenthood, Moët Hennessy, and more. According to the organization’s Instagram page, VIP and early bird tickets are sold out. The ball will celebrate the successes of Black women in “politics, activism, and advocacy,” the social media page noted. Moreover, the organization will raise funds for “voter education, engagement, and empowerment.”

BGV rallies the collective of Black women’s voices to create change in areas where Black women experience unfairness. BGV’s website further explains it “is dedicated to using our collective voice to transform areas where bias has the most profound impact on our lives.”

Investing in Black women’s empowerment in the areas of education, economic development, and healthcare is central to the nonpartisan organization, according to its website. BGV is also committed to improved outcomes and inspiring, engaging, and educating “young women to become the voice in our political landscape by exercising their right to vote,” the website noted.

Some of how BGV achieves its mission include:

    • Mechanisms to cultivate and mobilize well-informed voters

    • Solution-focused, measurable goals to improve community outcomes

    • Community Organizing and Consortium Building amongst diverse communities

    • Creative community engagement

    • Sustainable Partnerships

    • Social Capital Exchange

    • Resources and Information

In the past, BGV has helped Baltimore residents register to vote to kick off Women’s History Month, WBAL TV 11 reported.

The organization’s founder, Nykidra Robinson, also known as Nyki, started BGV in 2015 on Nov. 30. The day marks the birthday of Shirley Chisholm, American politician and the first Black woman to be elected to the United States Congress.



 
 
 
 
 
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RELATED CONTENT: Abortion Rights Bring Ohio Voters To Polls Early

shark tank, Black Entrepreneurs Day, Daymond, John, deal, stalker, grants, Black entrepreneurs
by Stacy Jackson

November 7, 2023

‘Shark Tank’s’ Daymond John Helps Out The Little Fish Awards $750k In Grants

The event—now in its fourth year—awarded nine Black entrepreneurs NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grants worth $25,000.

Shark Tank co-star Daymond John hosted Black Entrepreneurs Day on Nov. 1. The event—now in its fourth year—has awarded over $750,000 in grants to support Black businesses.

The FUBU CEO hosted the annual event at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, where special guests included Whoopi Goldberg, Shaquille O’Neal, Anthony Anderson, and more. According to ABC News, nine Black entrepreneurs were awarded NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grants worth $25,000.

John, who received an official Black Entrepreneurs Day proclamation from New York City’s Mayor Eric Adams, spoke to ABC News about the necessity of Black Entrepreneurs Day.

“The need for resources and community support for our Black businesses remains paramount. I salute our partners who, year after year, support our mission to educate and inspire Black entrepreneurs around the globe.” Data from a CNBC report showed that in 2022, financing for Black businesses went down 45%.

Ashley Sutton, who created Hustle & Hope greeting cards with a purpose, was the Salesforce-sponsored winner of a $25,000 grant, according to the news outlet. Sutton, a full-time entrepreneur with a marketing background, told ABC News that her motivation comes from something her mother said.

“If I kept track of every ‘no’ I’ve ever gotten, I could probably fund my business. But it’s just this unwavering belief in myself. And holding on to this quote from my mom, ‘No means next.’ That keeps me going.” The entrepreneur is disrupting a $7.5 billion industry in the U.S., according to facts and figures provided by Northern Cards. Business Wire noted that the greeting card industry is projected to reach $20.66 billion globally.

Lawrence Phillips, the $25,000 grant recipient selected by Hilton, created the Green Book Global travel platform for Black travelers.

The entrepreneur, who quit his job to travel the world after experiencing burnout, told ABC News, “I really could never find a platform that would tell me, from city to city, what it would be like traveling while Black.” He added that the platform, which was inspired by The Negro Motorist Green Book, aims to “increase the confidence and reduce the anxiety of Black travelers.”

Black Entrepreneurs Day began in 2020. Each year, the event celebrates enterprise in the Black community.

RELATED CONTENT: Getting Started: How One Corporate Exec Went from Workdays to Doggy Daycare

homecoming, prairie view, crime scene, Florida mother
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 7, 2023

Off-Campus Homecoming Event Leaves 7 People Shot Near Prairie View A&M

The incident is yet another occurrence of gun violence impacting HBCUs.

Seven people were wounded during an off-campus event to celebrate homecoming season for Prairie View A&M University. The festivity was held only 2 miles away from the Texas-based HBCU.

According to NBC News, the Nov. 5 event was a trail ride pasture party attended by over 1,000 people. While the party was not a university-sanctioned activity, a spokesperson on behalf of the school did express its sympathy for the victims,

“Although this was not an official PVAMU homecoming event and was unaffiliated with the university, our campus community is deeply concerned for those injured and all affected by this incident.”

The victims, which included a child, are not known to be affiliated with Prairie View A&M, and the investigation into the shooting is still being conducted. However, the incident is part of a concerning trend of gun violence at HBCUs across the nation. The university is not alone in shootings casting a dark shadow over its homecoming. Morgan State University canceled its homecoming set for early October in the aftermath of a mass shooting on school grounds.

Waller County Police arrived at the scene shortly after gunfire sparked, impacting four women and two men as well as the young boy. Those injured were bystanders to a dispute; law enforcement refers to the ordeal as aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. In a statement, county officials also confirmed that safety protocols were not in place, which could have helped prevent violence.

“The organizers for this event went through the proper steps in terms of filing an application for a mass gathering permit…. [But] obviously, the organizers failed to meet permit conditions on a number of issues, and an investigation is ongoing at this time,” shared County Judge Trey Duhon.

Amid the growing violence, HBCUs everywhere have increased security measures to ensure students and their extended community remain safe.

J.C. Jackson, Chargers GM Tom Telesco
by Derek Major

November 7, 2023

San Diego Chargers GM Tom Telesco Apologizes To Team For Signing Safety J.C. Jackson

Since returning to the Patriots, Jackson has played all five of their games collecting 14 combined tackles, 12 solo tackles and three passes defended

In March 2022, the San Diego Chargers signed former New England Patriots Safety J.C. Jackson, who was coming off a second team All-Pro selection to a five-year $82.5 million contract.

However, just one year into the contract the Chargers traded Jackson back to the Patriots for a later round pick which prompted Chargers General Manager Tom Telesco to apologize to Chargers players during a defensive backs meeting in Week 6 ahead of its 20-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

According to ESPN’s Kris Rhim Telesco told the Chargers defensive backs that signing Jackson was a mistake and apologized for continuing to give Jackson opportunities to play despite the fact the six-year veteran routinely showed he wasn’t as committed as the rest of the team even though he was one of its highest paid players.

The situation reached a pivotal point in week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders when Jackson refused to enter the game, keeping his shoelaces untied even though the team needed him due to safety Michael Davis injuring his ankle in the third quarter.

Two weeks later, Jackson was traded back to the Patriots, who needed a safety after rookie Christian Gonzalez suffered a torn labrum and a separated shoulder knocking him out for the season.

Jackson isn’t the first Patriot who signed a big contract with a new team and didn’t live up to it. Following the 2008 season where he guided the Patriots to an 11-win season, Matt Cassel signed a six-year, $63 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. However he went just 19-28 during his four seasons in KC and Chiefs fans cheered when he was knocked out of a home game against the Baltimore Ravens during his last season.

Others who signed lucrative deals with other teams after leaving New England and have disappointed include wide receivers David Givens and Reche Caldwell and defensive back Ellis Hobbs.

Since returning to the Patriots, Jackson has played all five of their games collecting 14 combined tackles, 12 solo tackles and three passes defended. Many in the Chargers organization believed Jackson had a lackadaisical attitude when it came to practice and didn’t respond well to coaching, something NFL fans may consider weird considering Patriots coach Bill Belichick is known as a stickler for players practicing and his attention to detail.

Angel McCoughtry, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

November 7, 2023

WNBA Champ Angel McCoughtry Is Now An Honorary Member Of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, one of the country’s largest women’s service organizations, announced the induction of Angel McCoughtry as an honorary member into its Alpha Omega Chapter. McCoughtry has demonstrated outstanding commitment to civic engagement and the advancement of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.’s principles, Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood.

The induction ceremony took place on Saturday, November 4, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.International First Vice President for Membership, Gina Merritt-Epps, Esq., shared, “I am honored to lead Zeta’s membership function and continue our tradition of recruiting influential and prominent women that will advance, elevate, and bring awareness to the initiatives of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.”

Dr. Stacie NC Grant, International President and CEO, enthusiastically stated, “The members of Zeta are proud to carry out the legacy of the five trailblazing women that dared to be different and established the number one service organization.  Today, we honor their vision by inducting a woman of excellence whose groundbreaking career and impressive commitment to service is aligned with Zeta’s principles and work.”

McCoughtry is a professional basketball player with the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and a two-time Olympic gold medalist. She was selected first overall by the Atlanta Dream in the 2009 WNBA draft. Ms. McCoughtry has garnered numerous awards and recognition for her athletic skills. She is the first WNBA athlete to host a basketball camp in Ghana. She is the owner of McCoughtry’s, an ice cream shop and food truck. McCoughtry will align her talents and passion to mentor our Zeta youth auxiliary groups.

“It’s an honor and privilege to be part of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. I’m honored to be part of this sisterhood to grow, build, and create better communities.” — Angel McCoughtry

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated was founded on Jan. 16, 1920, on the campus of Howard University and has since grown to become one of the most prestigious and impactful organizations worldwide. With a mission to foster its ideals and principles, Zeta Phi Beta is committed to making a difference in the lives of individuals and communities.

Honorary members have the opportunity to work closely with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. in advancing its philanthropic initiatives and promoting social welfare. Their influence and expertise will undoubtedly enhance the organization’s ability to positively impact the communities it serves.

new edition
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 7, 2023

New Edition Jumps Back In The Mix With Upcoming Las Vegas Residency

The group is set to perform all their classic hits in their debut Vegas Residency.

Calling all the Candy Girls! New Edition is finally making a home in Sin City so that the show goes on. The R&B group announced its upcoming Las Vegas residency on Nov. 6, launching in 2024 at the Wynn Hotel’s Encore Theater.

The day before the official release, the award-winning musical act told their following to stay tuned for the “huge” news that will sure to excite fans everywhere. Wanting to make the experience more intimate for concertgoers, Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant, Ronnie DeVoe, Johnny Gill, Michael Bivins, and Ricky Bell all announced the highly anticipated concert will take place at the exclusive Encore Theater.

“Fulfilling a career-long dream to solidify ourselves with a residency performance in the entertainment capital of the world, we are beyond excited to embark on this fantastical journey at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas,” shared all six artists in a joint statement.

“On behalf of all of us, including Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky, Mike, Ralph & Johnny, it is our extreme purpose to give our fans a show that they cannot witness anywhere else in the world.”

The group also appeared in a message sent to the Sherri talk show to celebrate the news, as the host asked the men, while guests on the show’s prior season, if they would ever consider a Vegas residency. They previously answered Sherri by saying, “When the time is right.” It is clear that the moment has now come.

“A while back when we were on your show, you and your audience were asking us when we were going to do a Las Vegas residency,” recalled Devoe.

“Well, guess what? It’s finally going down in 2024.”

Gill followed up the message, enticing fans by letting them know it would be “the best show on earth.”

New Edition hopes to continue the trend of successful R&B residencies, such as Usher’s, as they begin the string of six shows from Feb. 28 to March 9. Tickets to the exclusive event will be on sale on Nov. 10 at 10 am PT and are expected to go fast given the up-close and personal venue.

RELATED CONTENT: Bobby Brown: Every Little Step

Bronny James, LeBron James, USC Trojans
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 7, 2023

LeBron James Hopeful His Son Returns To The Court This Season

LeBron is ready for his son to play ball again--if he is healthy.

According to The Los Angeles Times, while the USC Trojans started their season in Las Vegas on Monday, Nov. 6, Bronny James sat on the bench instead of in the starting lineup. But Bronny is a tad closer to playing with his team again, his dad, LeBron James, revealed.

As the freshman continues physical therapy and conditioning, the James family will assess his progress and decide how to move forward.

LeBron commented about his son’s progress following a Lakers lost to the Heat on Monday night.

“Things are going in the right direction with Bronny’s progress,” the future Hall of Famer said. “He’s doing rehab. Every week, he gets to do more and more and more. We have a big moment at the end of this month to see if we can continue to go forward.

“If he’s cleared, will be not too long away from him being back on the floor and back with his teammates and practicing, with the notion of being back on the floor and playing game situations.”

 

Bronny has been recovering after suffering a cardiac arrest on July 24. He was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, where it was determined that a congenital heart defect was the probable cause. He is expected to recover fully, although no timetable has been set. His presence on campus has already led to a Nike T-shirt selling out quickly.

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