Ice Cube, Last Friday
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 14, 2024

Ice Cube Sells First Big3 Team In ‘Historic’ Deal

The league, co-founded by Cube in 2017, expects to sell three more teams.

Ice Cube is taking his Big3 basketball league to new heights with big changes and a “historic” $10 million deal.

On May 10, the hip-hop mogul announced the $10 million sale of his first Big3 team to a group of investors led by DCB Sports, Deadline reports. The league, co-founded by Cube in 2017, expects to sell three more teams before the start of the 2024 season on June 15 in Oakland.

As part of the league’s rapid growth, its 12 teams will transition to home markets, with Toronto and the United Kingdom among the leading contenders. It’s a huge step for Cube’s league, which started with just eight teams during its 2017 inception. No teams have been associated with major cities until now.

“This is a historic day for the BIG3. We could not be happier to entrust part of our league to Gary and this seasoned group of sports investors ahead of our most important season yet,” Cube said of partnering with Gary LaDrido, managing partner of DCB Sports.

“We have all-star basketball talent, millions of loyal fans around the world, and we are one of the most viewed sports programs of the summer on CBS.”

The rapper, producer, and entrepreneur is excited about the new opportunities that will come from his league merging with sports companies and representing major global markets.

“Basing our teams in home cities allows BIG3 to engage local communities and fan bases, and bringing in ownership groups, each with their own sports expertise, business, and capabilities beginning in 2025, will allow BIG3 to grow exponentially,” he said. “I know that DCB Sports will do right by the people of Los Angeles, and together, we’ll continue to change the game.”

Fans can still watch Big3 games on CBS, and half of non-CBS games are streamed on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“We can plant our roots in these cities,” Ice Cube said. “It is great to come through with, like, a rolling All-Star event. But if you want to really unlock the fan-base potential, connecting to cities does that.”

RELATED CONTENT: Ice Cube Takes Big 3 To X Platform, Denies Being Aligned With ‘White Supremacists’

liability, llc, leap, assets, protect your assets, entrepreneur
by Daniel Johnson

May 14, 2024

Report: As Black-Owned Businesses Face Funding Decline More Support Is Needed

The report is in keeping with previous scholarship regarding the chronic underfunding of Black-owned businesses.

According to a new report from the Alliance for Entrepreneurial Equity, a partnership between the National Urban League and Third Way, barriers to Black-owned and other minority-owned businesses are keeping those businesses from reaching their true potential. The report also sets out that after an increase in venture capital funding following the 2020 George Floyd uprisings, there has been a decline in funding for Black businesses. 

As The Chicago Sun Times reports, the report is in keeping with previous scholarship regarding the chronic underfunding of Black-owned businesses. The barriers to capital for Black businesses also make it more difficult to start or grow those businesses. Black-owned businesses are disproportionately denied funding, 40% of Black businesses are completely denied loans, lines of credit, or cash advances. By comparison, only 18% of white-owned businesses are denied these funding opportunities. 

As Marc Morial, the president and CEO of the National Urban League, writes in a column for The Sun-Times, the disparities in funding are part of a larger campaign to preserve the systematic inequality present in America. “The promises of racial justice that America made in the wake of George Floyd’s murder cannot be abandoned. The efforts to distort the nation’s history of racial oppression and discrimination, the silencing of Black voices in classrooms, the dismantling of affirmative action and diversity, equity and inclusion policies are part of a coordinated campaign to preserve systemic inequality.”

The Alliance for Entrepreneurial Equity’s report sets forth that Black businesses tend to be young, have fewer than 20 employees, are generally located in urban areas east of the Mississippi River, are concentrated in specific industries, take in less revenue than other businesses, hold less debt than other businesses, are often labeled as “high-risk” investments, are often shut out of financing, often are not awarded government contracts, and often have to use non-traditional means to secure lines of financing or capital.

According to the report, the practice of moving the goalposts for the exercise of Black economic freedom is resurging, as it was during antebellum-era America. “Starting in 1865, lawmakers sought to bring an end to the pernicious effect of racism that had devastated the country. Congress enacted several constitutional amendments designed to give social, political, and economic power to Black Americans for the first time in United States history. But before the ink had dried on the Civil War Amendments and the law could carry out its remedial purpose, opponents to opportunity began carving away at protections that would have granted economic freedom and fairness to citizens who had historically been deprived.”

The report continues, “Recent legal challenges have targeted programs aimed at alleviating the obstacles faced by marginalized communities, particularly those designed to promote equity in entrepreneurship. As these efforts seek to dismantle affirmative action policies, it is even more important to shed light on the realities faced by entrepreneurs of color. It is imperative that the public, experts, advocates, and policymakers are armed with current data on the state of Black businesses in America.”

The goal of the report is to provide an analysis with strategies can be implemented that can “catalyze informed policymaking, advocacy efforts, and targeted interventions aimed at reversing systemic barriers and fostering a more equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

RELATED CONTENT: This 4-Point Call To Action Could Increase Capital For Black Women Entrepreneurs

Janelle Bynum, Oregon, Black Congress Member
by Daniel Johnson

May 13, 2024

Georgia’s SB 189 Elicits Furious Response From Voting Rights Advocates

Georgia’s SB 189, which Gov. Brian Kemp signed into law on May 6, was supposed to be a fix of the state's voter fraud issues, but some voter rights advocates believe it could make the issue of voter suppression worse.

Georgia’s SB 189, which Gov. Brian Kemp signed into law on May 6, was supposed to fix the state’s alleged voter fraud issues. However, some voter rights advocates believe it could make the issue of voter suppression worse. Meanwhile, the state’s Republican Party defends the bill. The bill, set to take effect in July, will allow Georgia residents to challenge the voter registration of other citizens using allegedly dubious means. 

As ProPublica reported, the Georgia branch of the American Civil Liberties Union has threatened to sue the state over its concern that the law violates the National Voter Registration Act. Caitlin May, a voting rights attorney with the group, told the outlet, “It’s bad policy and bad law and will open the floodgates to bad challenges.”

Meanwhile, Georgia’s State Election Board is trying to determine what its next course of action should be, as John Fervier, the board chair, told ProPublica. Fervier believes that the board will have to instruct election officials on what to do, but he doesn’t know what that will entail. “We’re going to probably have to try and provide some instruction telling” election officials how to respond to SB 189, said Fervier. “I don’t know if that will come from the State Election Board or from the secretary of state’s office. But we’re one day past the signing of the legislation, so it’s still too early for me to comment on what kind of instruction will go out at this point.”

Georgia State Rep. John LaHood, a Republican who helped pass the bill, allegedly told the outlet that he believed the bill would not affect voter suppression. “I see this as being pro-America, pro-accuracy, pro-transparency, and pro-election integrity,” LaHood said. “I don’t see it being” about voter suppression “whatsoever.”

Conservative organizations have signaled their intent to challenge many voter registrations in this year’s election under the law. The state’s GOP chair told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he believes the legislative session amounted to “a home run for those of us concerned about election integrity.”

Andrea Young, Georgia ACLU’s executive director, said in a press release concerning the passage of SB 189, “SB 189 is a step back for voters’ rights and voting access in the state of Georgia,” Young said. “Most importantly, this bill will require already overburdened election workers to spend time processing unnecessary voter challenges. As always, elected state officials should work to make voting easier and not more difficult for Georgia citizens. We are committed to protecting Georgia voters and will see the governor in court.”

According to Democracy Docket, “SB 189 makes it even easier to invalidate a voter’s eligibility by not placing any limits on which factors can be used to make a valid claim — like if someone is registered to vote or has a ‘homestead exemption’ in another jurisdiction. It also allows voters to be removed from the rolls up until 45 days before an election — a violation of the National Voter Registration Act, which bans removal of voters within 90 days of a federal election. The new law also eliminates the practice of using QR codes on ballots to count votes electronically.”

In its press release decrying the bill, the Southern Poverty Law Center argued that the bill is a response from Kemp to “baseless conspiracy theories.” Courtney O’Donnell, a senior staff attorney for voting rights with the SPLC, said in a statement, “Election officials already carry the huge civic responsibility of safeguarding our ballots and ensuring that every vote is counted,” said O’Donnell. “Now, Gov. Kemp has further burdened them by enacting an election law that is responsive to baseless conspiracy theories.” 

O’Donnell continued, “SB 189 green lights unsubstantiated voter challenges and creates further confusion for election administrators in resolving voter challenges. Furthermore, it targets unhoused voters by making them more susceptible to voter challenges and requiring them to make the county registrar’s office their mailing address. The passage of SB 189 represents a significant setback in the fight for equitable and accessible elections in Georgia and a stark reminder that our fight for voting rights is far from over.”

RoDina Williams, Illinoisan, Doctorate In Clinical Laboratory Science
by Stacy Jackson

May 13, 2024

12-Year-Old Earns Associate’s Degree From Florida State College, Jacksonville

Cameron Robinson began his journey at FSCJ when he was 7 years old, taking an intermediate algebra class full of college students.

Middle schooler Cameron Robinson, 12, has achieved an extraordinary feat by graduating with an associate of arts degree from Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ).

The young scholar enrolled in a dual enrollment program and embarked on his college journey at FSCJ when he was 7 years old. He was awarded his degree during FSCJ’s May 9 graduation ceremony.

Cameron balanced his middle school courses while completing his A.A.

“My friends are always like, ‘What? You’re graduating college?’ And they don’t believe me whenever I tell them. So it’s definitely a cool experience,” the tween told WTLV-TV. He noted that his professors treated him like any other student, and FSCJ aided him in developing interpersonal skills, which will prove invaluable as he pursues his future endeavors, like his bachelor’s degree.

“It’s definitely different when your son is seven and he’s starting college,” Cameron’s mother, Sandy Robinson, said. “…It’s been a journey that we’ve been working through over the last several years, and trying to make sure that he stays engaged.” His father, Dr. Greg Robinson, described the experience as interesting and unique, expressing gratitude towards FSCJ for creating a safe academic haven for their son.

When Cameron first joined FSCJ at age 7, he spoke to News4JAX about his passion for math and how he used the subject to calculate the speed of a soccer ball. His math professor observed that the young scholar’s presence might have inspired other students to strive for higher grades.

Cameron’s academic journey began early, with his father teaching him algebra around age 5. During the enrollment process, Cameron demonstrated his math prowess to gain admission to FSCJ. His parents never worried about him being among older students, as Cameron had always been ahead academically.

“He seems to fit right in with his buddies,” Sandy remarked, adding that her son plays basketball and socializes with neighborhood friends.

With a keen interest in math, especially calculus, Cameron’s next step is to attend the University of North Florida, with aspirations of studying engineering at MIT, with a specific interest in nanotechnology.

X formerly known as twitter, charging, social media, engagement, initial. tagging, sell, over post, social media, management, NYPD
by Sharelle B. McNair

May 13, 2024

NYC Council Pushes For Changes On How NYPD Officers Use Social Media Accounts

This can't be good...

The New York City Council held a special hearing focused on how NYPD officers and officials use social media in the department after allegations of improper usage.

Things got heated during the May 9 hearing after the department was accused of using social media accounts to target public officials and private citizens inappropriately. Chief of Patrol John Chell and Deputy Commissioners Kaz Daughtry and Tarik Sheppard were scheduled to testify but didn’t show up for the hearing.

City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams was prepared to grill Chell on the stand regarding a post on Twitter where he called City Council member Tiffany Cabán’s criticism of the NYPD’s response to the Columbia University protest “garbage,” labeling her as a “colossal disgrace.” Adams has requested the Department of Investigation launch an investigation into the department’s use of official social media accounts: 250 accounts in total.

NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban defended his officials’ social media usage. “I give my executives autonomy to speak directly to the public, and they do that through social media and I can also tell you that my executives are very passionate about what they do in their bureaus,” he said. But after Chell took to Twitter to admit that the department would use all social media platforms to confront anti-police rhetoric and won’t apologize for it, critics think things have gone too far. 

Adams, along with Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Comptroller Brad Lander, and others, sent a letter to New York City mayor and retired police captain Eric Adams, urging him to discipline Chell and other officers accused of abusing social media access, according to Politico. By Chell telling his followers “You know what to do,” in regards to potentially voting out Cabán, officials say the tweet is a conflict of interest. 

The group denounced Chell’s “completely unacceptable, undemocratic, illegal, dangerous, and false attack.” However, Mayor Adams decided to stand by his former colleagues, calling NYPD “the kindest and the gentlest and the most loving police department on the globe.” 

After it was announced that an investigation was launched into NYPD’s “social media use and exchanges,” a spokesperson from Mayor Adams’ office pushed back, saying they hope the investigation includes City Council members as well. “It is clear that a small number of advocates and council members—who have gone unchallenged in using their social media to make disparaging comments against the hardworking public servants of our city—only support speech that is politically convenient for them,” the spokesperson said.

The Legal Aid Society welcomed the investigation, claiming the posts have “served as a cudgel to spread misinformation, malign protesters, chill future protests.” 

In one now-deleted post, NYPD officials misidentified a judge, criticizing them for releasing a convicted criminal without bail. “When a precinct commander has a social media account, he is the one that decides what is going to go out and how they are going to inform the community,” NYPD Assistant Commissioner Carlos Nieves said. 

Chell refuses to apologize for his attacks on Cabán. “I would rather not do that, but when you come out with a statement a day after what these cops did in the city, the night before, for these campuses, I will take a stand,” Chell said in an early May interview. 

“If that person can incite violence against a duly elected official, what makes it so that every other rank-and-file officer can’t do the same?” Cabán said. “What does that say about the level of force, privilege and control that they think that they have over just regular, everyday citizens? That should be very scary to people.”

Thomas Jefferson University, Graduation, Commencement
by Daniel Johnson

May 13, 2024

Thomas Jefferson University Apologizes For Mispronounced Names At Commencement

The presenter said they struggled due to the phonetic spelling of the names of the students written on the cards.

Philadelphia’s Thomas Jefferson University has issued an apology after footage of an announcer mispronouncing the names of several students at its May 9 commencement ceremony went viral.

During the school’s College of Nursing graduation ceremony, a presenter struggled with the names so dramatically that it was compared on social media to the famous Key & Peele “Substitute Teacher” (warning: some NSFW language) skit.

As NBC News reported, “…Graduate Sarah Virginia Brennan’s name was pronounced ‘Sayer Oo-voon Geen-goo Bree-none,’ according to a video from the ceremony. Maeve Elizabeth was pronounced ‘May-vee Lee Zu-beth.’ A Stephanie’s first name was pronounced ‘Eff-uni,’ and a Jessica, ‘Jay-sic-u.'”

As People Magazine reports, the presenter seemed to struggle due to the phonetic spelling of the names of the students written on the cards she was reading. In a recording of the ceremony posted to TikTok, the presenter apologized to the graduates, “My apologies for the phonetic spelling or pronunciation of the names that was on the cards, I would have been better just reading from the book.”

The university later issued its own official apology, releasing a statement to People, “The leadership and faculty of Thomas Jefferson University extend our sincerest apologies for the mispronunciations of the names of several of our graduating nursing students during our recent commencement ceremony. This ceremony is a celebration of the significant achievements of our students, and each graduate deserves to have their name honored correctly on this pivotal day.”

Thomas Jefferson University continued, “This ceremony is a celebration of the significant achievements of our students, and each graduate deserves to have their name honored correctly on this pivotal day. The mispronunciations occurred due to the way phonetic spellings were presented on the speaker’s cards, which was noted when the presenter apologized during the ceremony.”

According to NBC News, the speaker was replaced once the graduates reached the last names beginning with the letter “L,” which also gave her room to apologize to the graduates. Some responded less charitably on X, criticizing the speaker as “functionally illiterate” and a “DEI hire,” despite no images of the speaker circulating. 

The Philadelphia university has three more graduation ceremonies scheduled for May 21 and May 22.

RELATED CONTENT: Howard University Cancels Chaotic Graduation Mid-Ceremony

Echoing Green, Black-Led Women Groups, investors, social media, Fund, blog, network, Innovators, Black Founders, Black Businesses,Kathryn Finney'
by Jeffrey McKinney

May 13, 2024

Echoing Green Launches $15.6M Fund For Social Innovators Including Black Founders

The fresh capital could prove beneficial to founders with overlooked potential for scalable social impact.

Aiming to help often ignored Black social innovators grow, Echoing Green is launching a $15.6 million fund to provide them capital.

Called the Signal Fund, the tool provides funding to social innovators at critical growth stages, according to a news release. The cash infusion will largely target and prioritize founders who have overlooked the potential for scalable social impact.

Despite being among the most influential drivers of social change, it was disclosed that leaders of color are being hit the hardest by insufficient funding. A social innovator is a person who uses entrepreneurial methods to provide solutions to societal problems and improve the well-being of the world.

For instance, research from Echoing Green and The Bridgespan Group revealed that revenues for Black-led organizations were 24% less than those of their white counterparts. The data also showed that donations to Black firms were 76% smaller than those of their peers led by whites.

Further, this study showed parallel disparities with startups led by underrepresented founders, including women, who received just 43% of funding versus white male founders.

“In the current economic climate, fundraising for entrepreneurs has become increasingly difficult,” Echoing Green President Cheryl L. Dorsey said in a statement. “Through Signal Fund, we are strengthening and de-risking a new pipeline of social innovators — ones that we believe will expand the set of leaders who are too often overlooked by mainstream philanthropy and financial institutions.”

She added, “This fund can help proven social innovators move past the proverbial valley of death that so many startups face, achieving organizational milestones recognizable to traditional investors without compromising impact.”

Echoing Green is a nonprofit that supplies seed funding to organizations. As part of a two-year pilot, the Signal Fund plans to make 20 investments in Echoing Green Fellowship recipients and provide them with $100,000 to $500,000 in catalytic capital during that period.

The fund was disclosed to have disbursed $3.6 million to 12 social innovators. As such, recipients have already leveraged an extra $18 million in funding for their organizations.

The Echoing Green Fellowship reported supporting nearly 1,000 innovators over the last 36 years, including notable leaders like first lady Michele Obama, 2024 TIME100 recipient Kennedy Odede, and the founders of Teach for America and One Acre Fund.

Check here for more details about the fund.

Oprah Winfrey, Stanford University, Dr. Bongeka Zuma
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 13, 2024

Oprah Winfrey Regrets Being A ‘Major Contributor’ To Diet Culture: ‘I Want To Do Better’

Winfrey recalled a 1988 episode of 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' where she rolled 67 pounds of fat on a wagon on stage to show how much weight she had lost at the time.

Oprah Winfrey is owning the part she’s played in promoting diet culture for the last 30-plus years.

The billionaire media mogul spoke candidly during WeightWatchers‘ “Making The Shift: A New Way to Think About Weight” livestream on May 9, where she admitted to being a “major contributor” to diet culture.

“I want to acknowledge that I have been a steadfast participant in this diet culture through my platforms, through the magazine, through the talk show for 25 years,” Winfrey said at the start of the program. “I’ve been a major contributor to it. I cannot tell you how many weight loss shows and makeovers I have done and they have been a staple since I’ve been working in television.”

Winfrey went on to recall a November 1988 episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show where she rolled 67 pounds of fat on a wagon on stage. At the time, she did it to explain her drastic weight loss she credited to fasting for six weeks “without cheating.”

It remains the highest-rated episode in the long-running show history. However, the OWN founder regrets doing that. “It sent a message that starving yourself with a liquid diet and set a standard for people watching that I, nor anybody else, could uphold,” she said during the WeightWatchers livestream.

“The very next day, I began to gain the weight back,” she added. “Maya Angelou always said, ‘When you know better, you do better,’ so these conversations for me are an effort to do better. I own what I’ve done, and now I want to do better.”

The WeightWatchers livestream followed Winfrey’s decision to step down from the weight loss company’s board earlier this year following her admission of using a weight loss drug. When speaking with Jimmy Kimmel in March, Winfrey said she exited the board because she filmed An Oprah Special: Shame, Blame, and the Weight Loss Revoluiton, with medical experts to discuss weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy.

“…This special was really important to me, and I wanted to be able to talk about whatever I want to talk about,” Winfrey said. She added that WeightWatchers “is now in the business of being a weight-health company that also administers drug medications for weight. I did not want to have the appearance of any conflict of interest.”

RELATED CONTENT: Emotional TV Special Reveals Oprah Winfrey’s Struggles With Weight

Howard, Graduates, Doctoral Student
by Stacy Jackson

May 13, 2024

83-Year-Old Woman Graduates Howard As Oldest Doctoral Student

Marie Fowler commenced her doctoral studies at Howard University's School of Divinity after being out of school since 1959.

Marie Fowler, 83, has achieved an extraordinary milestone: she is Howard University’s oldest doctoral graduate.

Fowler’s journey to this accomplishment spanned three years of dedicated coursework at Howard University’s School of Divinity after being away from academics since 1959. According to WJLA, Fowler’s pursuit of her degree was more than just an educational endeavor; it was a calling from God that inspired her return to the academic world following the completion of her bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees, which she earned from the Maple Springs Baptist Bible College and Seminary.

“It was never my thought that I would go beyond maybe one semester…I didn’t even know if I could retain information,” said Fowler, who admitted to worrying about financial resources at this stage of life. However, it was the experiences of her parents that motivated her to carry on with her academic journey. “My mom and dad were born in an era when it was illegal for them to learn to read and write,” she said. “We taught my dad how to read and write and how to sign his name so he wouldn’t have to put that X.

According to Howard University, its School of Divinity aims to integrate spiritual and religious teachings with immersive scholarly experiences. “Like the rest of Howard University, [the School of Divinity] is committed to developing scholars and professionals who lead change, help to solve the world’s problems, and embody truth and service in all that they do,” Yolanda Pierce, former dean for the School of Divinity, said in 2023.

Since the pandemic, the School of Divinity has witnessed a shift in students’ goals, with many seeking to pursue social justice work, policy roles, or nonprofit endeavors, indicating a broader scope of outreach and messages.

Fowler’s completion of divinity school positions her to better teach and share her knowledge and message. At 83, she hopes to serve as an inspiration that “it is never too late” to pursue one’s goals.

Mary J. Blige, Giuseppe Zanotti
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 13, 2024

Mary J. Blige Unveils Limited-Edition Boot Collection With Giuseppe Zanotti, But Fans Call Out High Price Point

Mary J. Blige finally unveiled her first official boot collection but fans aren't feeling the high price tag.

Mary J. Blige has finally answered fans’ prayers and released her first official boot collection. However, many are calling out the high price tag for her limited-edition Giuseppe Zanotti boots.

On May 12, Mary J. Blige unveiled “The Mary Boot,” which she co-designed with the Italian luxury footwear and fashion designer. She wore the metallic gold knee-high boots while on stage at her third annual Strength of a Woman festival in New York City.

After the show, she spoke with the media to confirm the new shoe would be available on May 13.

“Mary J. Blige boot is officially in the universe,” she announced. “Everybody’s been requesting it, asking for it. The announcement was made on stage while I was wearing them with a fire outfit. But right now they are available Monday morning.”

https://twitter.com/itsKenBarbie/status/1789760547820380638

The Giuseppe Zanotti Instagram page followed up with an official announcement on its page confirming the new shiny boot’s availability and design.

“Giuseppe Zanotti and Mary J. Blige have transformed their longtime friendship into an exclusive, limited-edition collaboration,” they captioned the post. “Introducing “The Mary Boot,” a stunning over-the-knee boot co-designed by the two talents.”

The website reveals the $1,295 price point for “The Mary Boot” and provides more detail about the collaboration.

“Statement boots have long been associated as a signature of Mary’s style and through this collaboration, using striking and innovative design, fine materials, and attention to detail, the two have come together to make the Must Have style of the season,” the brand stated.

A nod was also given to Mary unveiling the boots at the Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit on Sunday. However, when fans noticed the nearly $1,300 price tag for Mary’s first official shoe, many were disappointed with the boots being out of their reach.

“Finally, damn, but I wish she would have partnered with a more affordable brand. So many aunties out here want to wear some Mary J. Blige boots!” one fan wrote under Giuseppe Zanotti’s Instagram announcement.

“Aww great idea!! But this isn’t her audience,” added someone else. “But I get why she did it! 9/10 they will handle the mass production which is extremely costly!!!”

Another fan shared how “happy” they were for Mary’s new collaboration but explained why they would be “admiring these from afar.”

“That price tag ain’t for the round the way girls,” they quipped.

The Giuseppe Zanotti brand is known for its high-end luxury shoes, sneakers, handbags, jewelry, and leather ready-to-wear items. The luxury component leaves little room for pieces that retail lower than $700.

Mary J. Blige’s collaboration with Giuseppe Zanotti may be just the start of her venture into the fashion industry. The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul might have plans for a more affordable shoe collection later down the line.

RELATED CONTENT: Mary J. Blige Is Serious About Retiring From Music In ‘Five Or Six Years’

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