Jadakiss, racial profiling, NoMad, Las Vegas, kiss cafe, gambling,
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 5, 2023

Jadakiss Accuses Las Vegas Casino Of Racial Profiling: ‘I’m Never Coming Back’

Jadakiss is calling out a Las Vegas casino he believes racially profiled him by having him escorted out last week.

Jadakiss is calling out a Las Vegas casino he believes racially profiled him by having him escorted out.

The rapper posted a video on Dec. 1 calling out the NoMad in Vegas after he was removed from the casino. The Lox member said he had been gambling at the casino since Wednesday, until things apparently went left.

“Don’t ever gamble at The NoMad ever again,” Kiss said in a clip captured by Hip Hop DX. “I don’t know what happened. I’ve been gambling here since Wednesday.

“I’m a tax-paying citizen. I’ve been losing my shirt, socks, everything. They come to me at the end of the night talking ’bout ‘I need your…’” while motioning with his hands.

He continued, “I didn’t lose that much. I didn’t win nothing.”

Jadakiss didn’t explain what led to his removal but did question if he was being racially profiled.

“Is this racial profiling? I’m out of here. I’m never coming back. Half a million. F-ck the Nomad,” he declared.

However, Jadakiss still has plenty to celebrate after the recent launch of Spot Filled, his production company. With the writers and actors strike coming to an end, Jadakiss says his company is “back active.”

“You need scripts, you need production, anything you need hit up my partner Larry Legend and we gonna get it poppin,” he said in an Instagram post. “Spot Filled is the company. Get ready for the takeover.”

Prio to the production company, Jadakiss launched a coffee company with his father and son, called Kiss Cafe. The “Knock Yourself Out” rapper continues to expand his entrepreneurial efforts despite the setbacks he might’ve experienced at one Las Vegas casino.

RELATED CONTENT: Rapper Jadakiss Held Food Giveaway in Yonkers Hometown in Honor of DMX

study, bodyca, police, DOJ, study, Derek Chauvin, Body Cam Video
by Daniel Johnson

December 5, 2023

Mississippi Sheriff’s Policy Change Comes Far Too Late After Police Brutality Rocked The County

Bailey's proposed list of changes includes hiring an internal affairs investigator, requiring his officers to wear body cameras, and creating an online submission page for complaints from civilians.

Rankin County (MS) Sheriff Bryan Bailey announced changes to departmental policy on Dec. 1, prompting a lawyer for the victims of an attack carried out by a group of officers who called themselves “The Goon Squad” to take issue.

Malik Shabazz, the lawyer representing Michael Corey Jenkins and Eddie Terrell Parker, was quick to point out that Bailey’s move was likely spurred by self-preservation. According to U.S. News & World Report, Bailey’s proposed list of changes includes hiring an internal affairs investigator, requiring his officers to wear body cameras, and creating an online submission page for complaints from civilians.

Bailey claimed the changes were made due to the “inappropriate conduct” of his deputies, but Shabazz claimed they were made to avoid accountability in a civil lawsuit and to stall a federal probe into Bailey’s department. 

“Why now, Sheriff Bailey?” Shabazz told the Associated Press. “Is it because the sheriff’s department has been exposed as a bastion of depravity?” Shabazz also pointed out that before the alleged torture of Jenkins, the department “did not have even a quasi-independent overseer to investigate excessive force claims.” 

Bailey previously attempted to argue that qualified immunity should be enough to keep him from being liable in the suit from Jenkins and Parker. Though he did admit that the reported behavior of “The Goon Squad” was deplorable, Bailey did not appear to want to accept accountability for what five of his deputies were allegedly involved in carrying out.

Shabazz characterized the behavior of the group as an extension of Bailey’s lax leadership, telling the Associated Press, “What happened in January with Mr. Jenkins and Mr. Parker was not an isolated incident. It was merely the crescendo of the violent culture that the man at the helm, at minimum, allowed to exist.”

In February, according to the AP, the United States Justice Department announced that it would open a federal investigation into possible civil rights violations committed by Bailey’s department. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation also announced it would be looking into the attack allegedly carried out against Jenkins and Parker.

In a scathing joint report from Mississippi Today and the New York Times, reporters cataloged years’ worth of reports detailing incidents from a department initiated by the so-called “Goon Squad” that likely would have carried on unchecked if not for the January incident involving Jenkins and Parker.

According to WAPT, the federal government released a statement on Dec 4 asking residents to share information about any abuse that might have occurred at the hands of Rankin County officers.

RELATED CONTENT: New Report: Black Chicago Residents Believe Future Is Bright Despite Public Safety Issues

Oher, blind side, Micheal, other, Tuohy, royalties, $15, texts, court documents
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 5, 2023

Michael Oher’s $15M Demand To Tuohy Family Revealed In New Court Documents

Michael Oher is being accused of extortion by the same family he's suing for royalty payments he claims he's owed from "The Blind Side" film.

Michael Oher is being accused of extortion by the same family he’s suing for royalty payments he claims he’s owed from The Blind Side film.

New court documents from the Tuohy family accuse Oher of trying to extort them for $15 million or risk having their names dragged in the media, TMZ reports. The family claims Oher sent messages before filing the royalties suit demanding the money or else he would “defame them on social media and/or TMZ as ‘fakes’ and ‘thieves,’” the docs state.

Oher alleges he wasn’t paid his fair share of royalties from the Oscar-winning film “The Blind Side,” but the Tuohy’s claim otherwise. The new filing cites alleged texts from Oher claiming he was “robbed of fifty million+” before lowering his final offer to $10 million.

Alleged text messages show Oher threatening to put the Tuohy’s on blast unless they met a proposed deadline.

“If something isn’t resolved this Friday, I’m going to go ahead and tell the world how I was robbed by my suppose to be [sic] parents. That’s the deadline,” the alleged text states, adding, “Think how it will look when it comes out.”

The Tuohy’s claim that after they rejected the $10 million shakedown, Oher upped his price.

“It was 10 million. Now I want 15 after taxes,” the alleged text reads.

The Tuohys say the grand total of royalties from the film was $138,309.90, and that’s what each party received.

As for Oher revealing the Tuohys never legally adopted him, the Tuohys claim they still see Oher as their son despite the “vindictive and unfounded legal and reputational crusade against them.”

Oher and the Tuohys were the subjects of the blockbuster film The Blind Side, which earned Sandra Bullock an Academy Award for Best Actress and the film an Oscar for Best Picture. The movie told Oher’s story about his relationship with the Tuohy family, which helped lead him to an NFL career.

RELATED CONTENT: Tuohys To Remove All Mentions Of Michael Oher As Their Adoptive Son, Under Lawyer Advisement

Diddy, No DIddy, HBCU, pastor
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

December 5, 2023

“The Night Puff Tried to Kill Me”—A Gritty Memoir Of Survival In The ’90s Hip-Hop Scene

Originally Reported by Blacknews 

Relentless Aaron, the pen name for DeWitt Gilmore, a prominent figure in the 1990s New York hip-hop scene, announces the release of his latest memoir, The Night Puff Tried to Kill Me. This gripping book offers an unvarnished look at the cutthroat world of music promotion and his harrowing confrontation with Sean “Puffy” Combs.

Set against the backdrop of 1990s New York City, this memoir details Mr. Gilmore’s journey of ambition and resilience in an era that reshaped the music industry. The book provides a candid account of his life as a young impresario navigating the challenges and rivalries of the hip-hop world.

The highlight of the memoir is a life-changing night where a seemingly ordinary encounter with Puffy escalates into a high-speed chase through New York City, a testament to the perilous nature of fame and power in the entertainment industry.

The Night Puff Tried to Kill Me is more than a personal story. It’s a reflection on the complexities of the entertainment industry and a testament to the enduring human spirit,” said Gilmore.

The book is now available for purchase online for $4.00 at https://koji.to/k/9O19

For more information about the book or the author DeWitt Gilmore aka Relentless Aaron, visit the official website at RelentlessAaron.net

Also, be sure to follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

For press inquiries, contact D. Gilmore at 404-477-8257 or relentlessaaron2007@gmail.com

RELATED CONTENT: Former Bad Boy Artist Claims Diddy Wiretapped Kim Porter’s Phone And ‘Busted Her Nose‘

mid-year, finances, trends
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

December 5, 2023

Meet the Black Investor Helping People In Dire Need To Sell Their Home Quickly With No Closing Fees

Craig A. Gayle, CEO of Creative Financial Investments, is revolutionizing the property market with its commitment to buying houses in all conditions.

Originally Reported by Blacknews 

Craig A. Gayle, the Jamaican-American co-founder and CEO of Creative Financial Investments, a leading real estate investment firm, is revolutionizing the property market with its commitment to buying houses in all conditions, anywhere, and at any price. His company is proud to announce its simplified process that guarantees sellers a fair, all-cash offer and the potential to close transactions in as little as 7 days.

Craig says that his company stands out in the real estate industry by offering a hassle-free and efficient solution for property owners looking to sell their homes quickly. Whether facing foreclosure, dealing with inherited property, or simply wanting to offload a property in any condition, Creative Financial Investments provides a stress-free alternative to the traditional real estate market.

Key features of his services include:

• All-Condition Purchases: Creative Financial Investments is committed to buying houses in any condition, sparing sellers the need for costly repairs or renovations.

• Any Location: No matter where the property is located, Creative Financial Investments is ready to make a competitive, all-cash offer.

• Flexible Pricing: The company accommodates sellers by offering fair, all-cash deals regardless of the property’s current market value.

• Speedy Closings: With a focus on efficiency, Creative Financial Investments aims to close transactions in as little as 7 days, providing sellers with a quick and hassle-free selling experience.

Craig comments, “We understand that selling a property can be a challenging and time-consuming process. At Creative Financial Investments, we’ve streamlined our services to make it easy for homeowners to sell their houses quickly and receive a fair, all-cash offer. Our team is dedicated to providing a stress-free experience, allowing sellers to move on with their lives.”

For more information, visit CreativeFinancialInvestments.com

About
Craig A. Gayle is a leading real estate investor who specializes in the quick and efficient purchase of properties in any condition, anywhere, and at any price. With a commitment to fair, all-cash offers and speedy closings, his company, Creative Financial Investments, is redefining the real estate experience for property sellers.

For press inquiries, contact 972-338-5270.

RELATED CONTENT: Prairie View A&M University RenovationsAre Underway With The Latest $70M Engineering Building Investment

black-owned brewery, Detroit, Roar
by Rafael Pena

December 5, 2023

Black-Owned Brewery in Kansas City Sets Its Sights On National Recognition

Kansas City's only Black-owned brewery, Vine Street Brewing Co., is making waves as it competes in the 15th annual Brewbound Pitch Slam.

Kansas City’s only Black-owned brewery, Vine Street Brewing Co., is making waves as it competes in the semifinals of the 15th annual Brewbound Pitch Slam Competition, taking place Dec. 6 in Marina del Rey, California.

“I might be biased, but in my opinion we haven’t made a bad beer yet,” cofounder Kemet Coleman told The Kansas City Star.

The Brewbound Pitch Slam Competition, sponsored by beer publication Brewbound, pits Vine Street Brewing Co. against some of the best startups in the industry. While the winner will receive a $10,000 grand prize, Coleman is eyeing another prize. “I think if we win, then that will definitely put us in a national conversation,” he said.

Vine Street Brewing Co. plans to present its Paper Bag Thin and Tricou Street beers during the semifinals, aiming for a light and refreshing appeal to the California judges, according to the Star. Contestants in the Brewbound Pitch Slam Competition have a limited time to pitch their business plans to experts.

Reflecting on the brewery’s recent successes, including being awarded $25,000 from GIFT KC and securing second place and $10,000 in the AltCap Your Biz Pitch Competition, co-owners Coleman, Woodie Bonds Jr., and Elliott Ivory are optimistic about the future. The influx of funds has enabled Vine Street Brewing Co. to expand its production capabilities: The company acquired a 15-barrel fermentation tank, doubling the size of its largest tank.

“This allows us to have a lot more reach to increase our capacity for our output essentially,” said Coleman. The expansion also allows the Black-owned brewery to bring its 20 beers into more restaurants and bars. Additionally, Vine Street Brewing Co. is venturing into canning. Its products are now available at the Black Pantry, and there are plans to expand into local and national stores.

Among Vine Street Brewing Co.’s noteworthy beers is “One for the Books,” a limited-edition brew created in honor of the Kansas City Public Library’s 150th anniversary. The beer features hints of caramel and vanilla and is packaged in a can designed to resemble a classic book checkout record card.

RELATED CONTENT: Two Brothers Open Philadelphia’s First Black-Owned Brewery

Kimora Lee Simmons., reality TV, Back In The Fab Lane
by Stacy Jackson

December 5, 2023

Kimora Lee Simmons Confirms Family Is Safe After Fire Erupted In LA Home

Kimmora Lee Simmons sends a huge thank-you to members of the Los Angeles Fire Department after they put out a fire in her family's home.

Kimora Lee Simmons is thankful for the Los Angeles Fire Department after first responders came to her family’s rescue during a house fire last weekend.

The fashion designer took to Instagram on Dec. 2 and filled her story with visuals of the fire that damaged part of her California home. People reported that the Simmons family was safe after the fire erupted in a lounge area inside the home. “My house caught fire. The kids and I are all fine,” Simmons wrote in one picture that showed members of the LAFD in front of her charred fireplace.

Simmons continued her message with a special thanks to the LA firefighters. “I cannot express the deepest gratitude to the numerous battalions, ladders, and units that attended to us for many hours today and quite possibly saved our lives,” she continued. “THANK YOU!❤️🥺.”

One photo showed four firemen suited up and facing the smoke that filled the fireplace. The carpet in the lounge area was pulled back, and the room was covered in debris. Other photos posted by Simmons showed the first responders putting out the fire.

Simmons is grateful that her family is safe. However, according to Us Weekly, the model did not reveal which family members were present during the home incident.

The Baby Phat designer is no stranger to maintaining a large mansion with a fireplace. As previously covered by BLACK ENTERPRISE, Simmons cashed out on her previous mansion in Beverly Hills. Inside the model’s main bedroom, where she slept, was a wood-burning fireplace. The nine-bedroom, 10-bathroom estate made Simmons a $5.5 million profit after a buyer purchased the property for $16.5 million following its on-and-off appearance on the rental market for several years. In December 2022, Simmons offered to lease the spot for $62,500 monthly. The new owner’s lease offer increased to $100,000 a month.

Ashanti, Nelly,pregnant, second baby
by Jameelah Mullen

December 5, 2023

Ashanti Expecting First Child With Nelly, Source Says

A source close to the couple confirmed the pregnancy to "People."

Ashanti has not only circled the block with her rapper boyfriend, Nelly, but according to a source, the “Baby” singer may soon become a mother.

Ashanti, 43, caused an internet buzz at Nelly’s Black and White Ball in St. Louis. While on stage, the singer placed her hand on her belly and Nelly followed suit.  The couple broke into laughter before walking off the stage, leaving the crowd questioning the meaning of this exchange. 

A source close to the pair told Us Weekly that “Nelly and Ashanti are welcoming their first baby together.”  will soon be parents. The New York Post contacted Nelly’s rep for comment, but the “Country Grammar” rapper neither confirmed nor denied the pregnancy. 

 The famous couple first began dating in 2003 and stayed together for 11 years before breaking up in 2014. 

When the former couple appeared on stage together at Fat Joe’s and Ja Rule’s Verzus in 2021, fans began entertaining the idea of a possible reconciliation. Ashanti shut down the idea. “Listen, there’s nothing happening,” the “Rain On Me“ singer said, according to Hot New Hip Hop.  

In April 2023, the pair was spotted together at a boxing match in Las Vegas, sparking rumors of a renewed romance. Nelly confirmed that when he appeared on Boss Moves with Rasheeda, where he told the show’s hosts, Rasheeda and Kirk Frost, that he and Ashanti were “cool again.” He added that their time apart caused him to see their relationship from a new perspective. 

“Sometimes being separate, you understand one another more,” Nelly said. 

If reports are true, this would be Ashanti’s first child and Nelly’s third. The rapper has a daughter Chanelle, 29, and son Cornell Haynes III, 24, with his ex, Channetta Valentine.

RELATED CONTENT: Ashanti And Nelly Are ‘Very Happy’ After Rekindling Romance

Ime Udoka, ejected, game, rockets, lakers, Lebron James
by Jameelah Mullen

December 5, 2023

Houston Rockets Coach Ime Udoka Ejected From Game After Heated Confrontation With LeBron James

Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka was ejected from the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night

 

Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka was ejected from the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night after what appeared to be a disagreement with LeBron James, CBS Sports reports.  

The men exchanged words in front of a referee, JT Orr, who gave both of them technical fouls. Udoka, who had already received a technical foul in the second quarter, was ejected from the game. 

Both men were asked about the heated exchange in postgame interviews, but neither was forthcoming with details.

“We had some conversation, and they didn’t like what they heard,” Udoka said. 

James took a humorous approach to his answer.  

“Thanksgiving. How much we enjoyed Thanksgiving,” the All-Star champion quipped. 


 A clip surfaced on X, which picked up part of the conversation. James could be heard addressing Udoka.  

“We’re all grown men here. That b*tch word ain’t cool…. don’t use that word so loosely.” 

That wasn’t the only moment of friction in the game. Rocket forward Tari Eason and Lakers guard Cam Reddish also got into a squabble. Eason was attempting a free throw when Reddish walked into his chest.  

“He walked into me and said something. I did not like it and wanted him to stand on it,” Eason told Sports Illustrated  

James and the Lakers defeated the Rockets in a 107-97 victory. The Rockets have lost their eighth consecutive road game, making them the only NBA team that has yet to win a game away from home.  

Udoka previously made headlines when he was involved in a public scandal while he was the head coach of the Boston Celtics. The coach, then engaged to actress Nia Long, was having an intimate relationship with a female employee.    

“I want to apologize to our players, fans, the entire Celtics organization, and my family for letting them down,” Udoka said in a statement to ESPN’s Malika Andrews. 

Despite his public apology, Udoka was suspended from the franchise in September 2022.  

RELATED CONTENT: Ime Udoka is Out – Boston Celtics Officially Hire Joe Mazzulla as New Head Coach

offset, toys 4 nawf, carnival, giveaway,
by Kandiss Edwards

December 5, 2023

Offset Set Off The Holidays With More Than Just ‘Toys 4 The Nawf’

Rapper Offset's annual 'Toys 4 The Nawf' giveaway provided more than just toys. The focus on community health and wellbeing was abundant.

Offset remains busy with a growing family, music career, and work with The Ann Cephus Foundation, named after his maternal grandmother. Still, the 31-year-old BLACK ENTERPRISE 40 Under 40 recipient felt it was important never to forget the community that raised him. The responsibility to give back weighed on the Atlanta rapper until the pressure spurred him to begin ‘Toys 4 The Nawf.’

On Dec. 2, Offset hosted his second annual “Toys 4 The Nawf” giveaway at Berkmar High School in Gwinnett County. The rapper returned to his alma mater to spread some Christmas cheer early in the holiday season. Toys 4 The Nawf was part giveaway and carnival. While families received holiday gifts, they were treated to many other delights.

The Berkmar High School gym was filled to capacity. Inflatable bouncy structures, carnival games, and snacks were plentiful, and Black Santa was available for holiday pictures. Local barbers teamed up to provide free haircuts for children to get their holiday swag on point.

The partnership between the school and the Ann Cephus Foundation helped supply winter sweaters and age-appropriate toys. In addition to giving back to the children, Xfinity Wireless came through to help families without internet access get signed up for free service. 

BE spoke with Offset about taking time off from promoting his new album to give back. 

“I just feel like I’m not doing my duty if I don’t come back to the community,” the Grammy Award winner told BE.

“I’m going to do this every year. Give back to my people and never forget them. I see the beautiful kids’ faces and how it makes them smile to be in my presence. It’s an inspiration to them.” 

Knowing the pinch some people experience during the holiday season, Offset aims to be helpful and inspiring. 

“I want to inspire the kids and help my people out. It’s hard times, especially for our people, especially around the holidays. So I’m here for ya’ll,” the hip-hop artist said. 

Over the school year, three Berkmar High students made headlines for overdosing on school grounds. The substances that caused the students to overdose are unknown, though all three students are reported to be “OK.”

The introduction of Narcan, a stimulant used to help counteract the effects of an opioid overdose, into school systems is a new initiative spearheaded by the county. The Gwinnett Health Department was on deck to hand out free Narcan kits and train recipients on how to administer the potentially life-saving inhalant. The Gwinnett County Health Department’s involvement at “Toys 4 The Nawf” speaks to Offset’s commitment to his community and alma mater beyond gifting material items.

RELATED CONTENT: Offset To Host Second Annual Christmas Charity Event In Georgia

×