by Shanique Yates

July 5, 2024

Paramount Revisits BET Sale Discussions with New $1.7 Billion Offer From Scott Mills, CC Capital

BET sales conversations resume between Paramount Global and potential buyer group, including the company's current CEO Scott Mills.

Black Entertainment Television (BET) ownership is still up for grabs as Paramount revisits its sale.

At this time, Paramount Global has reentered BET sale discussions with a group of buyers that includes current BET CEO Scott Mills and Manhattan-based private equity CC Capital, led by Chinh Chu, who are reportedly offering roughly $1.7 billion to purchase the company. This price is significantly lower than the $3 billion they were looking to land during an auction last year.

The investment group, led by Mills, was prepared to pay a similar amount for BET last December. However, things did not pan out as expected. Now, they’re back in their quest to own the BET Group, which features a portfolio of brands, including BET, its streaming platform BET+, BET Gospel, BET HER, BET International, BET Jams, BET Soul, BET Studios, and VH1. Current sales discussions are being led by the controlling shareholder of Paramount’s parent company, Shari Redstone.

In June, Redstone, who owns a controlling stake in Paramount through her family-holding company, National Amusements, shot down sale discussions with Skydance after she felt possible shareholder lawsuits would follow. Another factor in her killing the deal was what she considered to be a lowball offer. Now, Mills and Chu are back at it for a second time, hoping to become the new owners of BET.

Mills’ commitment to BET has spanned decades. He first joined the network as its senior VP of business development and climbed the ladder over the years, holding various senior title roles before ultimately becoming the CEO in January 2018. His predecessor, Debra Lee, was the CEO of BET for 13 years. Only three people have held the role, with co-founder Robert Johnson serving as the BET CEO before Lee.

BET+ investor and longtime collaborator Tyler Perry previously expressed interest in acquiring the company but voiced concerns about its previous $3 billion asking price. The filmmaker, who is responsible for shows on the network like Sistas and The Oval, called the requested price tag “disrespectful” because it was “not worth anywhere near the value” that the company was worth.

Among Perry, other interested parties at the time included media mogul Byron Allen and Sean “Diddy” Combs.

Founded in the basement of former co-founder Robert Johnson, BET has been around since 1980 and continues to be the leading Black entertainment television network for Black Americans. In the early 1990s, it became the first Black-controlled TV company to be included on the New York Stock Exchange.

Despite selling the network alongside fellow founder and then-wife Sheila Johnson to Viacom in 2000, Johnson remained in his position as CEO until 2006. The sale of the network made the Johnsons America’s first Black billionaires.

The BET sales discussions follow the company’s 23rd annual BET Awards show, hosted by Taraji P. Henson. The show featured performances that included a tribute to Usher, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Anti-DEI Efforts Are Putting A Damper On Black Student Recruitment At Medical Schools

by Sharelle B. McNair

July 5, 2024

Anti-DEI Efforts Are Putting A Damper On Black Student Recruitment At Medical Schools

Black doctors matter!

Medical schools across the country are struggling to recruit Black students thanks to growing anti-diversity, equity and inclusion efforts from GOP legislators and the Supreme Court.

Researchers found that a majority of Black patients prefer seeing doctors who look like them and experience better health outcomes. The revelation calls for an increase in Black medical schools so that they can train to become doctors. However, since the Supreme Court overturned affirmative action in higher education, over two dozen states have passed laws restricting DEI programs.

Specific legislation, according to school administrators and diversity advocates, keeps health disparities already experienced by people of color in danger — especially if former President Donald Trump wins in November 2024. “I don’t expect this movement of anti-DEI legislation to slow down or stop at all,” Anton Gunn, health care consultant and former head of the Office of External Affairs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, said.

“And it likely will exacerbate if Donald Trump gets the opportunity to be president of the United States again.”

Jerrian Reedy recently completed his first year at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine on the journey to become an orthopedic surgeon. After witnessing medical trauma in his family at just nine years old, he decided to join the small number of only one in 10 doctors who identify as Black or African American in the state of Mississippi. There are 660 medical school students enrolled in the four-year program; out of that number, only 82 are Black.

That number was on the brink of not growing as state GOP leaders Rep. Becky Currie and state Sen. Angela Burks Hill introduced legislation limiting how colleges and universities spend money on DEI initiatives. Hill released a statement saying the state needs doctors of all kinds — not just Black doctors — and thinks money spent on DEI salaries and programs should be geared towards initiatives that benefit all students. “Qualifications should determine who gets into medical school, not color or socioeconomic status,” she said.

“Can’t we just be happy with more highly qualified doctors, no matter their skin color? I thought a color-blind society was the goal.”

Luckily, both bills never made it before the 2024 legislature for a vote.

In April 2024, Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) introduced the Embracing Anti-discrimination, Unbiased Curricula and Advancing Truth in Education (EDUCATE) Act as an attempt to block federal funding for medical schools that, he claims, “force students to affirm ideological beliefs and prioritize Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).” “Woke universities are forcing America’s future doctors to care more about race and gender than saving lives,” the seasoned lawmaker said.

The limited number of Black doctors in Mississippi isn’t new news. According to What I’m Reading, over one million Black people reside in a state that only has less than 600 Black doctors, as well as health outcomes rank one of the worst in the country. While one study by the JAMA Network Open found life expectancy was extended for Black patients in counties with higher numbers of Black primary care physicians, former medical students feel the disparities are rooted in systemic racism. “A lot of the Black physicians in the state have a bitter taste in their mouth about our medical school,” Demondes Haynes, a graduate of the 1999 class at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, said.

“We absolutely are not saying every Black patient has to have a Black doctor, but because the patient population in Mississippi is diverse, they should at least have the right to say, ‘This is what I want.’”

Despite efforts to stop the growth of Black doctors, the University of Mississippi School of Medicine is still putting its best foot forward to recruit more interest from potential Black students. For the past ten years, the school has hosted an African American Visit Day to foster interest.

Similar events are also hosted for Hispanic and Native American students; however, school administrators welcome all students to African American Day regardless of race, as the goal is to extend preferential treatment to minority applicants. “This is about shaping the possibilities of what could be,” Loretta Jackson-Williams, vice dean for medical education, said.

“These kids are at that precipice where they can choose to do something that’s really hard for their future, or they can choose an easier pathway. That choice doesn’t come about overnight.”

Black Farmers’ Association, Tractor Supply

by Sharelle B. McNair

July 5, 2024

Black Farmers’ Association Wants Tractor Supply CEO Out Amid Eliminated DEI Efforts

Just giving in to hate.....

The National Black Farmers Association (NBFA) is calling for Tractor Supply Co.’s CEO to step down after the company announced it will eliminate most of its corporate diversity and climate advocacy efforts.

The company made a public announcement on June 27 stating it is cutting all diversity, equity and inclusion roles, eliminating sponsorships of “non-business activities” like Pride festivals, and goals to diminish carbon emissions. Conservative advocates ridiculed the company, which sells a range of products, including farming equipment, claiming it has become too socially inclusive.

Statement from Tractor Supply pic.twitter.com/ZMweR8JVuy
— Tractor Supply (@TractorSupply) June 27, 2024

However, NFBA and critics alike feel the company and leader, Hal Lawton, are giving into the status quo and hate. “I was appalled by the decision,” president and founder of the National Black Farmers Association, John Boyd Jr., said.

“I see this as rolling back the clock with race relations — because the country is so divided on race, especially in rural America.”

DEI programs heightened in corporate America during the Black Lives Matter movement following the murder of George Floyd in 2020. Before the announcement, Tractor Supply was working diligently to appeal to a younger audience and consumers. However, after the Supreme Court overturned affirmative action in 2023, a number of major corporations and educational institutions listened to their constituents who pushed back on the policies.

Tractor advised the changes were made after hearing feedback from disappointed customers that was taken “to heart.”

“We will continue to listen to our customers and Team Members. Your trust and confidence in us are of the utmost importance, and we don’t take that lightly,” the company said.

According to The Washington Post, loyal customers of the brand have already decided to take their business elsewhere, including New York-based animal sanctuary Squirrelwood Equine Sanctuary. Co-founder Beth Hyman – a member of the LGBTQ+ community – first heard of the company’s decision after her brand supporters reached out inquiring if she was going to make a statement.

After lingering on it, Hyman decided to go to her local store and speak to a manager she had worked with for years. She then said the sanctuary could no longer support Tractor Supply – after spending $65,000 there annually – if the announcement continued to reflect those beliefs. The brand continued to speak out against the company with a post on X, which has been liked over 31,000 times. “Today, we met with our branch manager. We explained that we cannot support Tractor Supply any longer. He was horrified. He had no knowledge of this drastic shift in policy,” the post read.

“Hey TSC, think you might want to let your employees know. We never asked for a pride flag out front. We do expect respect and inclusion. You have lost our business and every shred of respect we might have had. Out Here, WE DESERVE BETTER.”

https://twitter.com/m_crouton/status/1806782676906426376

Boyd feels the company is sending the wrong message. After seeing White farmers “spit in Black farmers’ faces and call them the n-word,” Boyd said “we’re just going backwards.”

However, other critics feel decisions such as this will be a no-win situation for either party. Allen Adamson, co-founder of marketing consultancy Metaforce, touched on the fallout, calling it the “perfect example of how the increasing split in the country — politically and ideologically — have made it really hard to run consumer-facing businesses.”

“No matter which way you go on this, you’re going to upset big chunks of customers,” Adamson said. “No company wants to be a target of negativity on social media. It’s a no-win situation.

by Shanique Yates

July 5, 2024

Kendrick Lamar’s Powerful Juneteenth Pop Out Concert Performance Unites LA Gangs, Pledges $20K To Charities

Kendrick Lamar continues to capitalize off his Juneteenth Pop Out concert's impact on the community with a $20,000 donation to LA-based charities and community initiatives.

Kendrick Lamar is the gift that keeps on giving back!

The Los Angeles native has not only used a rap feud with Drake to unify his community, but he and his team of collaborators have also used their platforms to give back hugely. His latest initiative includes a $20,000 donation to local charities and good neighborhood causes.

During his and pgLang’s Juneteenth Pop Out concert, Lamar took the stage at LA’s Kia Forum Center. He delivered a riveting performance that ended with the unification of rival gangs in the city, a moment that is unheard of. At one point, the “Rich Spirit” emcee was also joined by fellow LA artists, who took a pledge to pour back into 20 LA-based charities and community initiatives.

“We haven’t seen this type of Unity on the West since we lost our brother Nipsey Hussle,” said Hinshaw. “As Dot said on stage, this moment was bigger than a back and forth; it was about supporting each other and showing the world that we could come together for a greater cause. All of these organizations play a pivotal role in developing our community and the hope is that we all continue to support them moving forward.”

Among the organizations on the receiving end of Lamar and company’s good deeds are Alma Backyard Farms, both the Carson and Los Angeles Boys & Girls Clubs, DREAMHAUS LA, Safe Place for Youth, Compton G.irls Club, and a host of other groups that have a history of supporting people within Lamar’s native neighborhood of Compton.

“We would like to thank pgLang and Free Lunch for recognizing their roots and supporting g.irls from the hood,” said Compton G.irls Club founder and executive director Chrystani Heinrich. It’s refreshing to know that Kendrick always comes back to the community to support the next generation.”

Nearly 30 contributing LA artists who joined Lamar on the stage during the Juneteenth Pop Out concert are a part of this community initiative, including fellow LA native and “Not Like Us” collaborator Mustard, Dom Kennedy, Roddy Ricch, Blxst, Bino Rideaux, Dr. Dre, Kalan.FrFr + G Perico, Tyler, the Creator, and more.

“The Pop Out concert had a significant impact on the city, unifying West Coast hip-hop, providing a platform for emerging talent, celebrating Black culture, and revitalizing the local music scene,” said Mustard. “It garnered global attention but also allowed us artists to give back to different programs based around South L.A. and put L.A. back in the driver’s seat for music, something that’s been long overdue.”

Lamar’s commitment to using the holiday to bless the community continued during the Fourth of July when he dropped the highly anticipated visual for his “Not Like Us” track. The video featured Mustard, his family, as well as longtime friends and fellow musicians Jay Rock, Tommy the Clown, DeMar DeRozan, Ab-Soul, and Schoolboy Q, who were also among the people who joined him on stage during the Juneteenth Pop Out concert.

by Shanique Yates

July 5, 2024

NAF Continues Decades-Long Commitment To Preparing High Schoolers For The Future By Adding 38 New Academies Ahead Of Its 2024-25 School Year

NAF announces the addition of 38 new academies for students across the nation ahead of its 2024-25 school year.

NAF has officially welcomed 38 new academies into its national network for the 2024-25 school year.

To better prepare students for the future, the national education non-profit allows high schoolers the opportunity to learn from career-focused teaching while also participating in work-based learning experiences. Open to high schools across the nation, the schools joining the NAF network have the option to either graduate from NAF’s meticulous Year of Planning (YOP) or Fast Track (FT) program.

“High schools enrolled in NAF’s emerging academy program gain access to a guided assessment process that informs and directs the work of advanced program planning and development, technical assistance from NAF, professional development, a full suite of resources, and NAF-developed, industry-validated curriculum,” read a statement of the news.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Normandie | Celebrity Tutor & Scholarship Strategist💸 (@xollegepass)

Since its inception in 1980, NAF has prepared high schoolers for the future through career-focused teaching and work-based learning. Through its programming, the scholars can explore various career options and create a plan for the future while also taking part in hands-on education that provides them with professional development unlike anything offered in traditional public schools.

From the NAF Academy of Finance operating out of New York City to spearheading hundreds of academies nationwide, NAF is focused on “growing industries including finance, hospitality, tourism, information technology, engineering, and health sciences.”

Additionally, NAF supports programs of studies aligned with the National Career Cluster Framework. In 2023, more than 113,000 students participating in NAF attended over 600 academies within the network. During that same year, 99% of NAF seniors graduated, and 89% of the students planned to attend college.

New academies participating in NAF during the 2024-25 school year include Beacher High School located in Mt. Morris, Michigan, Decatur High School in Federal Way, Washington, Miami Central Senior High School, Fayetteville, North Carolina’s Cape Fear High School and a host of others.

Boston Celtics, Jayson Tatum, NBA, Basketball

by Stacy Jackson

July 5, 2024

Boston Celtics Lock In Jayson Tatum With Historic $315M NBA Contract

Signing the five-year, $315 million NBA contract doesn't override Tatum's pre-draft deal with his mom to save his Celtics earnings.

The Boston Celtics have secured their franchise cornerstone, Jayson Tatum, with a groundbreaking NBA contract.

The five-year, $315 million supermax extension represents the largest deal in league history. Chris Haynes of TNT Sports announced on X. Tatum replied under Haynes’ post on X, leaving a shamrock and trophy emoji under the breaking news. According to Bleacher Report, the athlete’s eligibility for this NBA contract stemmed from his All-NBA First Team selection in the 2022-23 season.

This monumental NBA contract comes on the heels of Boston’s 18th championship victory, in which the 26-year-old played a pivotal role. The young star has consistently demonstrated his value, finishing in the top 10 of MVP voting for three consecutive seasons. His performance in the 2022-23 campaign was particularly impressive, with career-high averages in scoring (30.1 points), assists (4.6), and rebounds (8.8).

BREAKING: Boston Celtics and star Jayson Tatum have reached an agreement on a five-year, $315M supermax extension with a player option that is the largest contract in NBA history, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport. pic.twitter.com/qVpr94JiAa
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 1, 2024

Despite the enormous sums involved, Tatum reportedly won’t be spending his NBA contract earnings. In a 2022 interview on “In Depth with Graham Bensinger,” he revealed, “My mom is like the overseer…Everything goes through her.”

He explained that he made a pre-draft agreement with his mother, Brandy Cole-Barnes, to live off endorsement income rather than his earnings from the Celtics. Tatum has shown financial acumen beyond his years. Earlier this year, BLACK ENTERPRISE mentioned that he partnered with SoFi to establish a $1 million fund aimed at promoting financial wellness and homeownership opportunities.

The Celtics’ investment in the Duke alum appears well-justified. The Celtics have seen the playoffs every year of Tatum’s career with the team, including two NBA Finals appearances in the past three years.

Tatum’s teammate, Jaylen Brown, also became eligible for a substantial NBA contract extension following his All-NBA Second Team selection. This dual eligibility has created a complex financial situation for the Boston team. By the 2028-29 season, the Tatum-Brown duo could potentially account for $132 million.

Kevin Durant, A'ja Wilson, Olympics, USA Basketball

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 5, 2024

Kevin Durant And A’ja Wilson Show Off USA Basketball Jerseys For Upcoming Olympics

The men's tournament starts on July 28, and they will play against Serbia and the women's squad plays Japan on July 29.

As Team USA prepares to play for the coveted gold medal in basketball, Olympian gold medalists Kevin Durant and A’Ja Wilson unveiled the men’s and women’s basketball jerseys on July 3.

The United States will send some of its best athletes to Paris for the Olympics between July 26 and Aug. 11. The basketball jerseys for both teams were on display for the world to see as Durant showcased the white jerseys for the men’s team, while Wilson revealed the red uniforms that the respective teams would be wearing. The uniform colors are the country’s red, white, and blue.

FIRST LOOK: The faces of Nike’s @USAbasketball jersey campaign: @KDTrey5 and @_ajawilson22.

🇺🇸 Available on @Nike‘s website pic.twitter.com/6YIhDybvef

— Boardroom (@boardroom) July 3, 2024

The men’s and women’s teams are the top-ranked basketball players going into the Olympics and are expected to bring the gold back to the United States. Team USA has an impressive winning streak, with the men’s team winning four straight gold medals while the women’s team won seven in the Olympiad.

The men’s tournament starts on July 28, and they will take the court against Serbia. The women’s squad plays the next day, on July 29, when they face Japan.

The men’s team will be represented by: Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns), LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers), Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat), Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns), Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors), Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers), Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers), Jrue Holiday (Boston Celtics), Kawhi Leonard (L.A. Clippers), and Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics).

The women representing the country: A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces), Alyssa Thomas (Connecticut Sun), Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty), Brittney Griner (Phoenix Mercury), Chelsea Gray (Las Vegas Aces), Diana Taurasi (Phoenix Mercury), Jackie Young (Las Vegas Aces), Jewell Loyd (Seattle Storm), Kahleah Copper (Phoenix Mercury), Kelsey Plum (Las Vegas Aces), Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx), Sabrina Ionescu (New York Liberty).

Waka Flocka, Trump, Miguel Nuñez Jr., Miguel Nuñez Jr.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 5, 2024

Miguel Nuñez Jr. Flames Waka Flocka For Supporting Trump And Dissing Biden

The actor called rapper Waka Flocka a "fool a** punk" after he dissed Biden supporters at a recent show

Recording artist Waka Flocka was seen on video throwing out a Joe Biden supporter while performing at a show in Utah earlier this week. After the video went viral, actor Miguel Nuñez Jr. called the rapper a “fool a** punk” for being a Trump supporter.

A video clip posted by TMZ shows the “No Hands” rapper onstage performing at Club Sky in Salt Lake City on July 1 when he called out anyone in the audience who were presumably President Joe Biden supporters. As he paused from doing songs, he announced to the crowd, “All Joe Biden voters, get out of my concert. We going to see y’all at the bingo game. We’re gonna party right now for motherf**king president T24!” apparently stumping for Donald Trump.

The Neighborhood Talk posted a comment from The Family Business actor on its Instagram account, with Nuñez dissing the Atlanta rapper for his declaration of support for Trump.

“What a IGNORANT A** N**Ga. Yeah, I said you FOOL A** Punk – No Biden supporter should buy this dumb a** House N**ga music again. If upset about this– BRING IT!!”

Waka did respond in the comment section to the actor’s response to him dissing the current president. He defended himself and his position and seemingly warned his distractor in the post.

“I always did and always will have an independent mindset… I watch, and I listen so know who’s who… keep that same energy.”

The rapper has made his support for the former president known in the past, and in October, made a photo opp with Trump in his profile pic.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Neighborhood Talk (@theneighborhoodtalk)

The support goes both ways as the former president awarded the Queens, NY-born rapper with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his humanitarianism work in 2021, mostly for his work with the Chicago-based nonprofit group Daughter of Destiny, according to Newsweek.

Biden, President Joe Biden, BET, Ed Gordon

by Sharelle B. McNair

July 5, 2024

Biden Shuts Down Climate Change Deniers By Announcing First-Ever Heat Protection For U.S. Workers

Someone has to look out for them....

President Joe Biden is working to protect U.S. workers from the dangerous summertime heat in the first-of-its-kind legislation.

The proposed regulation will target farm and construction workers, kitchen cooks, and more—approximately 35 million workers—exposed to heat on the job, both inside and outdoors. Handed down from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the move would require employers to monitor workers for the first time and provide rest areas and water when temperatures reach 80 degrees or higher.

If the proposal passes, employers will be required to implement heat safety plans. Failure to meet standards could result in fines of more than $16,000.

The move comes after states nationwide are experiencing three-digit temperatures, expanding into the Fourth of July holiday. In 2023, the hottest recorded heat wave in history resulted in over 2,000 deaths and an increase in heat-related emergency room visits.

Announced on July 2, Biden is scheduled to discuss worker protections during his visit to Washington D.C.’s emergency operations center, where he is also expected to receive notes from federal scientists about the summer 2024 extreme temperatures forecast. According to The Hill, 436 workers died due to extreme heat exposure between 2011 and 2021. The issue with the proposal is the timing of approval. It has not been established if the measures will take effect.

With the regulations unlikely to be finalized by the end of Biden’s first term and the election up in the air, another Trump administration is expected not to move forward with the measure. However, Biden’s cabinet argues the proposal would be a lifesaver, and experts and advocates agree.

Rice University’s presidential historian with a focus on environmental policy. Douglas Brinkley, says working on climate change and heat protections for workers will help secure an easy win for Biden in November since the topic is his “comfort place.” “He likes being ‘lunchbox Joe’ and being on the side of labor and the working class,” Brinkley said.

“It’s a good issue for Joe Biden. It reminds environmentalists that he’s an ally and rings the climate bell, but also shows he has the back of and the health of the labor movement.”

Sean McGarvey, president of North America’s Building Trades Unions, shared similar sentiments. “The families of people who lose their lives to heat illness don’t see this as an overly burdensome regulation,” he said.

Currently, there are no federal heat protections in place for workers, but some states and cities have mandated their own protections. States like Florida and Texas — which both suffer from extreme heat conditions — have banned cities from implementing heat protections for workers. Marc Freedman, vice president of the country’s largest business lobbying group — the U.S. Chamber of Commerce — feels the move would present challenges for employers and make it “extraordinarily difficult for them to determine when heat presents a hazard because each employee experiences heat differently.”

The proposal already covers that. If established, workers would be entitled to acclimatization plans, which would allow newer employers who aren’t used to the heat to gradually increase hours to adapt to conditions.

While adding worker protections, Biden also announced $1 billion in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to cover communities from natural disasters and hazards, including flooding and heat. The money will go toward over 650 projects around the country.

Cam'ron, it is what it is, podcast, show, Las Vegas, Mase,

by Ida Harris

July 5, 2024

Cam’Ron Pays Homage To OJ Simpson Amid Ongoing Criticism

Cam’Ron’s troll game is undefeated

Cam’Ron, who is known for his uncensored candor around sports and topical issues, was seen suited and booted in Buffalo Bills football regalia, bearing the late OJ Simpson’s name and team number on the NFL jersey. There was no shame in his game. Cam shared footage of himself on IG strutting the corridors of Las Vegas’ Wynn Hotel with a football in tow and donning a football punter mask proudly.

The rapper-turned-podcaster captioned his post:

“OJ was here!!!! Happy INDEPENDENCE DAY! This ain’t really Our holiday.. But it Feels good not to have to answer to nobody!! #FreeNigga #IIWII”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @mr_camron

The same post is collaborated on the Instagram profile page for It Is What It Is, however, its caption read, “YALL KNOW LONG AS WE HEREIT WILL BE NO “UNCLE O” SLANDER. WE AIN’t TOLERATING THAT AT AL…#LLTHEJUICE #ITISWHATITISTALK #NOBODYSAFE #WESAYWHATTHEFUCKWEWANT”

The “Touch It Or Not” rapper’s post is a response to Stephen A. Smith’s scathing criticism of BET’s tribute to the deceased NFL Hall of Famer during BET Awards 2024. The “in memoriam” segment that featured Simpson got Smith up in arms. He took to his YouTube channel in a segment titled, “We should NOT be celebrating OJ Simpson,” to admonish the network for what, in his opinion, was nasty work:

“This is the BET Awards,” Smith ranted. “This is a celebration of Blackness, of Black culture, of Black entertainment, of Black excellence. And when you do something like this you got folks outside the community going, ‘See that, see that shit.’”

Smith continued: “We as a community are going to be held accountable for that.

It Is What It Is isn’t too pleased with Smith’s respectability politics called him out, in a now-deleted social media post, for “Sucka 💩”

Cam, has long been a supporter of Orenthal James Simpson, who died on April 10, not long after a final appearance on Cam’Ron, Mase, and Treasure Wilson’s sports-centric podcast It Is What It Is. The podcast highlights news, statistics, and hot takes around sports and culture, and features in-depth discussions with athletes, analysts, coaches and sports buffs alike. OJ was a recurring guest who contributed his two cents on football moments.

Cam’Ron’s troll game is undefeated. Back in May, the Harlem-bred entertainer leaned into his irreverent style during an interview with CNN, after anchor Abby Phillip queried Cam about Diddy’s demise, and sent some viewers into a tizzy.

The Pink Horse Power owner provided context recently around the incident stating, “I tried to go CNN the right/nice way, they said NO!! Ok bet!!!!”

Peep that dialogue below: