Nipsey Hussle, Foster, Tanisha, Sam Asghedom, Agshedom, Samantha, sam, emoni, estate, daughter, court
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 18, 2023

Nipsey Hussle’s Family Wins Legal Battle Against His Ex, Now Controls His Daughter’s Estate

Nipsey Hussle’s family has won their legal battle against the late rapper’s ex-girlfriend to control the estate of his 14-year-old daughter.

Tanisha Foster lost guardianship of her daughter Emani. A hearing was held this week where a judge listed Nipsey’s mom Angelique Smith, his brother Sam Asghedom, and sister Samantha as co-guardians over Emani’s finances, including her $2 million-plus inheritance, Radar Online reports.

The “Double Up” rapper was murdered outside his Marathon Clothing store in Los Angeles on March 31, 2019. The only beneficiaries of the musician’s estate were his two children, daughter Emani, and son Kross, whom he had with actress Lauren London.

Hussle’s brother Sam was selected to manage the rapper’s $4 million estate, which was estimated to bring in another $4.7 million annually. His family was also appointed physical custody of Emani over claims Tanisha was not fit to care for the child.

Foster has been locked in a legal battle with the family since August 2021 when it filed for guardianship of Emani’s estate to control her inheritance and make investments.

“Petitioners will manage Emani’s assets prudently and in Emani’s best interests until she reaches 18 years old,” the filing read.

But Foster contested the petition and sought for control of Emani’s estate and to regain custody. She claims to have only agreed to allow the family to have custody of Emani in 2019 due to her “financial limitations” at the time.

She claimed the family agreed to “act in the best interests of Emani,” but shortly after entering into the agreement” Hussle’s mom, brother, and sister allegedly used their “collective financial power and influence to disregard their priorities by controlling the desires of Emani and Tanisha by withholding financial assistance and reducing visitation.”

The courts ruled in favor of Hussle’s family despite Foster’s objection.

RELATED CONTENT: Puma Contributes Annually to Trust Fund of Nipsey Hussle’s Children

Offset, skincare, skin, oil, oily, routine, Harpars Bazar, oily skin, stridex, coconut oil, palmers,
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 18, 2023

Offset Shares His Skincare Routine For Oily Skin With ‘Harper’s Bazaar’

Offset is busy getting to the bag, including the beauty bag by sharing his nighttime skincare routine with Harper’s Bazaar.

The former Migos rapper has been finding various ways to promote his new album, Set It Off, and decided to tap into a new demographic by sharing his process for combatting his oily skin. The video, “Go to Bed with Offset,” was unveiled on Tuesday, October 17.

“Before I go to bed, I have oily skin so I wanna make sure I get all the oil out,” he tells the camera before grabbing his Stridex pads.

“Alcohol-free because I got sensitive skin so I break out with like harsh alcohol.”

Offset wiped down his entire face with the pads and shared his process for ensuring a clean, oil-free glow before bed. He also praised his mom for the hook up.

“She put me on to these in high school,” he shares. “She knew I had oily skin.”

After wiping his face with the Stridex pad, Offset used Aquaphor to moisturize his face. He said he doesn’t use lotion and only uses the healing ointment along with Palmer’s coconut oil to moisturize his body, something he encourages other men who want to impress the ladies.

“Trust me. My wife always tells me,” he said in reference to Cardi B.

Offset expressed his love for Palmer’s coconut oil over other oils that leave him looking too shiny.

“Fellas. You gotta make it a routine,” he says. “You can’t do it once or twice. You gotta just keep doing it to gradually get off of that lotion.

The “Bad and Boujee” rapper also shared his haircare routine for his dreads which includes oiling his entire scalp before bed.

Offset explained his routine of putting on a durag after oiling his scalp to let the product marinate throughout his locs. He also shared his preference for Dove spray deodorant despite it being for women because of its “soft smell.”

He also revealed that he doesn’t wear cologne because of Cardi’s aversion to the smell and his enjoyment of manicures and pedicures.

“Your wife or your lady should be happy that her man keeps her nails clean,” he declared.

RELATED CONTENT: Offset And Daughters Kalea And Kulture Steal The Show At ‘Little Mermaid” Premiere

LeBron James, football
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 18, 2023

LeBron James Proves Multisport Prowess After Vintage High School Football Video Surfaces

LeBron James broke the record of having scored the most points in NBA history and looks to be playing for several more years to add to it. For all the athleticism James possesses, it comes as no surprise that he was also a talented football player in his youth. Now, video footage of a teenage James has appeared on social media and fans have a lot to say about him and his football skills.

JPAFootball posted on their X account the footage of James playing the wide receiver position. During the clip, he is seen making a catch and being tackled to the ground. He gets up and complains to the referee, something most basketball fans would say he does often. Then he catches what appears to be a touchdown in the end zone, that looks like it was disputed, as the referee decides the correct call. Then James, wearing a number 9 jersey, is viewed walking off the football field.

People on Twitter/X gave thought to the footage.

And speaking of LeBron and football, Brian Windhorst, a reporter for ESPN revealed R&B singer Aaliyah’s death in 2001 gave James the inspiration to continue playing football in high school.

While appearing on NBA Today on Oct. 10, Windhorst claimed that before her death, James was not going to play football during his junior year in high school. But after Aaliyah died in a plane crash, James was “not gonna live his life being afraid” and continued playing.

“So Aaliyah’s passing got him to come off the sidelines. He’d skipped the start of his junior year — he missed the first game of the year. He joined the second game with no practice, no training camp. He played 12 games, had 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns, and was one of the great receivers in the history of the school,” Windhorst said.

James is currently preparing to play his 21st season as the Lakers look to add another championship to their mantle.

RELATED CONTENT: Michael Cooper Criticizes LeBron James For Eating During A Preseason NBA Game

Homeless student, Houston
by Sharelle Burt

October 18, 2023

New Report Shows Houston School District Suspended Homeless Students Despite State Ban

A Houston Independent School District report shows homeless students were suspended for more than 100 days during the 2022–2023 school year. However, the state banned that practice years ago, the Houston Chronicle reports.

In 2019, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 692, amending the Texas Education Code, stating that districts are not to suspend homeless students unless they violate specific laws involving weapons, violent behavior, drugs, or alcohol. In that case, out-of-school suspensions are limited to a maximum of three days in a row. According to the outlet, HISD allegedly disregarded the law and continued suspending homeless students in both the 2021–22 and 2022–23 school years.

While the report was released to the public in September 2023, it doesn’t clarify what the discretionary suspensions were for or define the meaning of “discretionary out-of-school suspensions.”

The suspensions amount to 2,000 missed school days. To prevent this, the report, submitted by the executive director of Assessment, Accountability, and Compliance, Allison Matney, instructed schools to investigate the causes of the suspensions “…and resolve not to repeat the same actions in the future,” according to Houston Public Media.

During the 2022–23 school year, HISD reported 7,232 homeless students—close to 4% of its student body. Director of Youth Justice for Texas Appleseed Brett Merfish says that homelessness is already traumatic for students, and many have nowhere to go when they face suspension. Being out of school can increase negative educational outcomes.

“If those suspensions are not within the exceptions outlined in the law, then those should not be happening,” Merfish said.

“We need to do better and figure out, with the schools, what is happening in those instances and come up with a solution because the point of this law is to stop out-of-school-suspensions that don’t have to happen or could be handled differently for youth who are experiencing homelessness.”

Staggering numbers were highlighted in the report, including Black students having the highest percentage of missed school days because of out-of-school suspensions. Director of Public Policy for the Texas Network of Youth Services Lauren Rose says she was disappointed in the report and feels there are other solutions to assist homeless students besides suspension. She encourages the state to address classroom behavior issues with positive behavior interventions and support.

RELATED CONTENT: HOMELESS STUDENT FROM FLORIDA TO GRADUATE HIGH SCHOOL AS VALEDICTORIAN OF HIS CLASS

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 18, 2023

Kysre Gondrezick Denies Assault By Rising NBA Star Kevin Porter Jr.

On Tuesday, Oct. 17, Kysre Gondrezick, a former WNBA player and ex-girlfriend of former Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr., has vehemently denied allegations of assault stemming from an incident in New York City in September, as reported by the The New York Post.

In an exclusive interview with The Post, Gondrezick refuted the assault accusations, stating, “He didn’t hit me. He never balled his fists up and hit me. And he definitely didn’t punch me in the face numerous times. That is a lie. I don’t have any injuries to support that.”

This interview followed the recent decision by Manhattan prosecutors to drop a charge of second-degree assault against Porter, citing insufficient evidence. Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Mirah Curzer clarified during Porter’s hearing in Manhattan Criminal Court that what initially seemed like a fractured vertebrae turned out to be a result of a congenital defect, leading to the charge’s dismissal.

However, Porter still faces charges of second-degree strangulation and third-degree assault. He is currently out on $75,000 bail and could potentially face a maximum sentence of seven years in prison if convicted of strangulation.

Prosecutors have maintained that Porter struck Gondrezick multiple times with a closed fist and “forcefully” squeezed her neck. The criminal complaint described the choking as causing difficulty breathing, redness, bruising, and substantial pain.

While prosecutors contended that the altercation ended only when Gondrezick fled the room and was discovered by hotel employees, Gondrezick expressed that certain aspects were exaggerated. She also criticized the Manhattan DA’s office for not conducting a comprehensive interview with her and failing to gain access to her complete medical records.

Gondrezick said, “It happened very fast, not to the degree of what was reported. And it was an argument that occurred in the room for not even 10 seconds.” She also commented on the DA’s office, saying, “We have given them numerous opportunities to come clean and to fix false information, but they have yet to do so.”

Porter was traded from the Houston Rockets to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a related development and is expected to be released immediately, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

RELATED CONTENT: HOUSTON ROCKETS’ KEVIN PORTER, JR. ARRESTED FOR ALLEGED ASSAULT AGAINST BALLER BABE IN NEW YORK CITY

jeezy, depression, mental health
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 18, 2023

Jeezy Reveals Suffering From Depression for 8 Years: ‘I Thought Something Was Wrong With Me’

Atlanta recording artist and entrepreneur Jeezy is talking about something that has tended to be taboo in the Black community up until recently. On an appearance on the Tamron Hall Show he revealed that he suffered from depression for “eight years of my life.”

While promoting and discussing his recent book, Adversity for Sale, the former Boyz n da Hood member talked to Hall about his anxiety. Growing up, he said he did not know what was going on with him, mentally, but struggled to get through it.

“I learned that vulnerability is power. It’s power. I thought something was wrong with me, thinking I come from poverty, this is just how it is,” he shared. “I didn’t understand trauma and all these different things so when I started to get the words for it, I started to understand and grab tools, I started to become better. I started on my journey and that’s why I’m expressing it and putting it in the book because I didn’t know I was depressed for like eight years of my life straight.”

He continued to describe what his depression was like.

“You wake up and you just want to go back to sleep forever, you know? And I was leaning into my vices,” he said. “And that’s what street life does to you. You know what I’m saying? When you lose 200, 300, 400 people like gone forever, you just, you get numb. And I wasn’t able to get in touch with my emotions and I was wondering why.”

He acknowledged that having his children helped him in the growth he had to make to become better inside.

“Thank God for my kids but there was a time I was just cold. That’s when I was Young Jeezy,” he admitted.

Last month, the “Go Getta” rapper shocked the world and apparently, his wife, TV host Jeannie Mai, when he filed for divorce in a Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta after the two had been married for only two years.

In the filing, he stated, “The marriage is irretrievably broken. There is no hope for reconciliation.”

Although the divorce is pending, the two are still living under the same roof.

RELATED CONTENT: Motivation 101: Jeezy Is ‘Most Profitable’ In His Business Endeavors

The Color Purple, Taraji P Henson, Fantasia, H.E.R., Danielle Brooks, Oprah
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 18, 2023

‘The Color Purple’ Actresses Pay Homage To Original Movie Cast

The cast of The Color Purple movie musical remake is celebrating the women from the original 1985 Oscar-nominated film.

Fantasia, Oprah Winfrey, Danielle Brooks, Taraji P. Henson, and H.E.R. all appear on the cover of Essence magazine’s November/December 2023 holiday issue, where they speak candidly about the legacy of The Color Purple and themes of sisterhood from the original film and remake.

Essence unveiled the cover shot by Mickalene Thomas in a celebratory Instagram post shared on Tuesday, October 17. The magazine noted the interview was conducted in May before the start of the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike.

“This is what it looks like when you put sisterhood, talent, and joy in one room!” they captioned the post.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ESSENCE (@essence)

During the shoot, things got real when Oprah, who starred as Sofia in the original and executive produced the musical remake, asked the ladies, “What would you say to the women who played your characters in the original 1985 cast of The Color Purple?”

“I would say thank you, Ms. Whoopi Goldberg, for not being afraid to play Celie. For being honest,” Fantasia said. “Thank you for paving the way for girls like myself.”

Taraji followed up with her personal message to Margaret Avery who played Shug Avery in the 1985 original.

“I would say to Margaret Avery: You taught me how to be sexy and how to see myself as a fully realized sexy woman,” Henson said.

“This industry can do a job on you and give you some insecurities. And when I found Ms. Shug Avery, she just made me feel like a woman. I was the one who always covered up. I didn’t feel right in my body. So to see this beautiful Black woman on the screen made me feel seen.”

H.E.R. shared her ode to Rae Dawn Chong, the Canadian-American actress who introduced the role of Squeak in the original film.

“Ms. Rae Dawn Chong, thank you for giving me an opportunity to show myself,” H.E.R. said.

“A lot of people know me and my music, but they don’t really know me. They’re getting to see me: Who I am, having fun and feeling empowered.”

Danielle Brooks, who received a 2017 Tony Award nomination for her performance of Sofia, had the pleasure of celebrating her predecessor in person.

“I just want to thank you, Ms. Oprah, for surrendering to God and his plan for your life,” Brooks said. “You have shown me how to do that.”

She continued. “Thank you for laying the blueprint for Sofia—because I know that she’s changed your life, and I can feel that mine is about to shift, too. Thank you for leaving space for me but also being there, to hold my hand and answer that phone call when I needed you. You have been such a light, such a beautiful soul.”

The Color Purple remake of the Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical hits theaters Christmas Day.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Give Ms. Barrino Her Oscar Now!’ Fans React to ‘The Color Purple’ Trailer Release

 

King of Vegas, Usher, key to city of Vegas
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 18, 2023

Superstar! Usher Granted Key To The City In Las Vegas

Usher was crowned the ‘King of Las Vegas’ by City Councilman Cedric Crear and Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman during a special ceremony at Las Vegas City Hall, as reported by News 3 Las Vegas.

In recognition of his contributions to the community, his popular three-year residency, and his upcoming performance at the Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show in Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium, the iconic singer was presented with the key to the city and had October 17 officially declared as “Usher Raymond Day.”

According to Vibe, Councilman Crear commended Usher’s legendary journey and transformative impact on the entertainment industry. “Usher has been an absolutely incredible brand ambassador for Las Vegas with his extremely popular residency called My Way.”

He also underlined the significance of Usher’s role in the Super Bowl Halftime Show, highlighting that it marked a historic moment for the city. He declared, “And we know you’re gonna do us proud.”

During the ceremony, Usher expressed deep gratitude for the city’s recognition, saying, “Councilman, thank you so much for this momentous moment. I know the efforts that go into doing something like this, and I don’t take it for granted. I wanna thank you for your belief in the future and your ability to be able to recognize those things that actually do grow your city.”

Usher emphasized the significance of his residency, which commenced in July 2021, as it symbolized the resurgence of live entertainment following the pandemic.

“This was the groundswell for the belief that we would get back to the norm that we know we needed,” he shared.

Usher extended his appreciation to Mayor Carolyn Goodman for embracing his Lovers & Friends Festival and hinted at future endeavors aimed at benefiting underserved communities. He revealed plans to “do things and create a groundswell that represents the incredible city that it is.”

Mayor Goodman lauded Usher’s selflessness and dedication to making the world a better place, noting, “This is a man that cares about everybody and he knows the future of our country and around this world, which is a mess. That if you help others and you help our children have another chance, a better chance, what better marriage than the city of Las Vegas and the genius, benevolent, compassionate, talented Usher Raymond?”

Usher then teased that his Halftime Show performance might include some of his collaborators, emphasizing that it would represent his legacy and incredible collaborations.

RELATED CONTENT: USHER UNVEILED AS HEADLINER FOR 2024 SUPER BOWL HALFTIME SHOW

tWitch, Allison Holker Boss
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 18, 2023

Widow Of DJ Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss Puts Family Home Up For Sale For $3.8 Million

Nearly a year after her celebrity DJ husband passed away, Allison Holker, the widow of Stephen “tWitch” Boss, has placed the home they shared on the market.
According to Radar Online, Holker placed the house, which is located in Encino, CA, on sale while also purchasing a new house in Studio City for $5 million. The widow of the The Ellen DeGeneres Show DJ and executive producer has placed the 4,600-square-foot property on the market for $3.8 million. The house was purchased for $2.75 million in 2019.
The Robb Report stated that the new home, which was just built this year, is a modern farmhouse-style spread that has six bedrooms and seven baths. The property is bigger than the house Holker and her family previously resided in, with more than 5,800 square feet of living space. The home has been described as having hardwood floors, high ceilings, designer lighting, and glass doors. It also includes a movie theater, fitness room, and an office, with a separate guest house that has a kitchenette and full bath.
tWitch was an on-air DJ on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and also an acclaimed dancer and entertainer, who committed suicide on Dec. 13 at the age of 40.
Prior to him being found in a hotel room, dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, TMZ reported that Holker had gone to a police station in Los Angeles to report her husband missing under strange circumstances. Police stated they received a phone call a short time after about a shooting that happened at a hotel. It was there they located a lifeless tWitch.
The beloved DJ left a suicide note after arriving at the hotel on December 12. He let behind his wife and children Zaia, Maddox, and Weslie.
RELATED CONTENT: ‘He Was My Heart’: Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss’ Mom Breaks Silence About Her Grief
Nas, Mass appeal, Cooper, meggs, racial discrimination, freaknik, producer, EP, executive producer
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 18, 2023

Nas’ Mass Appeal Sued By Ex Employee For Racial Discrimination

A documentary producer who worked for Nas’ Mass Appeal has filed a racial discrimination lawsuit against the company accusing the firm of “creating a hostile work environment” before terminating her employment.

On Tuesday, Melissa Cooper filed a discrimination lawsuit in New York City claiming she was the victim of “venomous and racist comments about ‘White folk’ and ‘crackers,’” before being fired, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Cooper worked as head of development at Mass Appeal and believes her race played a role in her mistreatment and subsequent termination.

She accuses the company’s chief executive Peter Bittenbender, who is also white, and Jenya Meggs, the senior VP for partnerships & content acquisition, who is Black, of discriminating “against her by removing her from several high-value projects, creating a hostile work environment, and terminating her employment.”

Much of the racially charged allegations stem around Mass Appeal’s involvement in “Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told,” a highly-anticipated documentary coming to Hulu in 2024. According to photos of text messages and other evidence used in the case, Meggs became upset that Cooper is listed as an executive producer on the documentary along with Bittenbender.

In texts between Meggs and Terry Ross, a “Freaknik” executive producer who is Black, Meggs credited Cooper’s EP role on the project to “Usual white folk behavior.’” In separate messages, Meggs complained about Bittenbender failing to hire a candidate she referred to Mass Appeal.

“These white folk something else,” Ross wrote in response.

After Meggs brought on a personal friend to fulfill a human resources role, the new HR manager was asked to serve as “an unbiased mediator” between Meggs and Cooper. Once tensions flared over various projects, Meggs reportedly claimed she refused to work with Cooper.

As a result, “Bittenbender removed Cooper from a number of projects, including Mass Appeal’s Hip Hop 50 Live concert at Yankee Stadium planned for August 11, 2023,” the lawsuit states.

“Cooper’s removal from this important project, along with others Meggs was staffed on, effectively stripped Cooper of her primary role at Mass Appeal.”

Cooper was fired in June 2023, “while continuing to employ Meggs,” the suit states.

Nas is not named in the lawsuit, he is a partner in Mass Appeal which is named throughout the suit.

RELATED CONTENT: Although Jobs Report Shows Robust Job Market, African Americans Still Face Discrimination

×