Janet Jackson, Believe — Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

March 21, 2026

Janet Jackson Inks Deal With Believe Music Publishing

The deal will move Jackson’s entire catalog to Believe’s recently launched publishing division.

By Robert Hill

Janet Jackson has signed a new long-term deal with Believe, bringing her full music catalog to the company’s publishing division.

The deal will move Jackson’s entire catalog to Believe’s recently launched publishing division, which marks a big step for both the artist and the independent company. Financial details have not been released, but company members highlight the continued value of Jackson’s music to its growing business.

Believe is a France-based independent music company that supports artists and labels, providing distribution and publishing services. The company’s publishing division, which launched recently, is expanding through partnerships with high-profile artists.

The publishing arm was launched in October 2025, more than two years after the company acquired Sentric Music Group.

The deal involves Jackson bringing her full catalog under that division, although financial details have yet to be disclosed. This move is a strategic step for Jackson and Believe as the company continues to expand its presence in music publishing.

The CEO and vice president of publishing have expressed their excitement for the deal and the value Jackson’s music will bring.

“Janet Jackson is truly a one-of-a-kind artist, with a strong vision for her music and where she wants to drive her career,” Believe’s CEO of Publishing, Chris Meehan, said, as reported by Variety. “She brings an iconic and rich catalogue to Believe Music Publishing and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come.”

Jackson, a five-time Grammy Award winner, has built a decades-long career that has made her an influential artist within the music industry. She is also a recipient of two Emmys, a Golden Globe, and has been nominated for an Oscar.

She has sold over 180 million records worldwide. Her success has translated into financial success, as she has an estimated net worth of $180 million, highlighting the value and impact of her career.

“Janet Jackson is one of the most influential and important songwriters in music, with a unique creative vision,” said Peter McCamley, Believe’s VP of Publishing, in a statement, according to Billboard. “We’re thrilled to welcome her to the Believe Music Publishing family, and we very much look forward to working with her in the future.”

Juliana Stratton, Illinois, Senate, lieutenant governor — Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, Assistant Adjutant General - Army, Illinois National Guard; Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton; and Brig. Gen. Daniel R. McDonough, Assistant Adjutant General - Air, Illinois National Guard, pose for a photograph at the conclusion of the Military Economic Development Committee quarterly meeting at Camp Lincoln Nov. 7. Military and community leaders came together to discuss support for military families facing a range of issues from childcare to quality of life. (U.S. Army photo by Officer Candidate Trenton Fouche, Joint Force Headquarters - Illinois National Guard)

by Kandiss Edwards

March 21, 2026

Juliana Stratton Moves Toward General Election, Eyes Historic Senate Sisterhood

If she wins, she will join Sens. Angela Alsobrooks and Lisa Blunt Rochester, marking the first time three Black women serve in the Senate simultaneously.

Following her decisive primary win, Illinois Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton has transitioned her campaign toward the general election, framing her victory as a rejection of the status quo in politics.

The significance of Stratton’s candidacy extends far beyond the borders of Illinois. If successful in November, she will solidify a historic “sisterhood” in the upper chamber, CNN reported. Alongside Sens. Angela Alsobrooks and Lisa Blunt Rochester, Stratton would represent a tripling of the number of Black women serving at once.

Stratton spoke to reporters about the significance of three Black women senators.

“The idea of three means there’s that much more of an opportunity to make sure that when policy is being made, when legislation is being passed, that the voices of our community is right there at the table,” Stratton said. “We don’t want policy to just be made for us. We want it to be made by us and with us, and that’s going to help that to happen.”

During Stratton’s victory speech, she gave a personal tribute to the progress of the civil rights movement. She invoked the memory of her late father, a civil rights activist who marched from Selma to Montgomery and was once barred from the very Capitol building his daughter now seeks to enter as a lawmaker.

“His story is a reminder that this fight is bigger than you or me,” Stratton told a crowd of cheering supporters. “We are ready to take our democracy back into our own hands.”

As she moves toward November, Stratton starts as the heavy favorite in the safely Democratic state. However, she faces a challenge from Republican Don Tracy, who is centering his campaign on Illinois’s economic struggles. Stratton’s path reflects a new era for the Senate, where the lived experiences of Black women are finally moving from the margins to the center of legislative power.

Stratton overcame a massive fundraising disadvantage in the race against Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi. Her campaign successfully tapped into a shift within the Illinois Democratic Party, as she has leaned into progressive platforms such as Medicare for All, a $ 25-per-hour federal minimum wage, and the abolition of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). If the people of Illinois agree, she may soon join the sisterhood.

Dawn Staley, Southern, WNBA, NCAA — (Photo: Lance King/Getty Images)

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

March 21, 2026

Gamecock Coach Dawn Staley Surprises Opponent Southern University With Gifts Ahead Of NCAA Faceoff

She gave the players Louis Vuitton Imagination perfume.

By Robert Hill

Dawn Staley, head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team, surprised the Southern University women’s basketball team with gifts ahead of their NCAA Tournament matchup, showing respect and support for the HBCU program before they faced off on the court.

After Southern University secured a 65–58 win over Samford in the NCAA Tournament First Four, Staley, who was in attendance, visited the team and later gifted players Louis Vuitton Imagination perfume. This move resonated as a sign of support and respect from Staley, a well-respected figure in women’s college basketball.

Staley stopped by Southern University’s hotel before the game, taking time to greet players as she prepared to potentially face them in the next round. Her presence alone impacted the team, as players recognized the respect being shown.

“Her being here, getting to hear the words she had for our team, it was just great,” Southern University Lady Jaguars guard Mykayla Cunningham said, as reported by Sports Illustrated. “It’s great that she took the time out because she’s a very busy woman. She’s smart. She sat and watched the game. Wrote down notes about both teams; she’s going to be prepared. And that’s how we have to come out and be prepared against her.”

Staley and her players stayed to watch the Jaguars play. After the game, Staley gave the team perfume, surprising the players and sparking an emotional reaction throughout the room. The Lady Jaguars were gifted Louis Vuitton “Imagination,” perfume in response to some players asking what she was wearing when she spoke to them.

“She walked in the meeting room, the kids blew up,” Southern assistant coach Jeremy Bonin said of Staley coming to Southern’s hotel, USA Today reported. “They loved it. So there was definitely some motivation for us to try to win that game (Thursday), which we were lucky enough to do.”

Staley, speaking to the team, reflected on her continued commitment to uplifting HBCU programs. Throughout her career, she has used her platform to raise visibility of HBCUs, whether through speaking engagements or scheduling games.

Southern University is now preparing to face South Carolina on March 21 in a matchup that carries both competitive intensity and mutual respect.

50 Cent, harrasment, instagram, lawsuit — (Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

March 21, 2026

50 Cent Appeals Loss In $1M Fight Over Ex Shaniqua Tompkins’ Life Rights

This comes after a judge denied his attempt to secure a $1 million default judgment against the mother of his 28-year-old son, Shaniqua Tompkins, in a dispute over the rights to her life story.

By Robert Hill

Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson filed an appeal in a New York court after a judge denied his attempt to secure a $1 million default judgment against the mother of his 28-year-old son, Shaniqua Tompkins, in a dispute over the rights to her life story.

The appeal comes after a New York judge ruled that Jackson’s company, G-Unit Books, did not properly serve Tompkins with the legal documents. The documents were tied to a lawsuit alleging that she violated a 2007 agreement granting exclusive rights to her life story. If the appellate court overturns that decision, Jackson could move forward with his claim that Tompkins breached the deal.

Justice Robert R. Reed’s decision focused on whether Tompkins had been properly served with legal documents. The court found that G-Unit Books failed to prove that she received notice of the lawsuit, a prerequisite to enter a default judgment.

Judge Reed issued the ruling because Tompkins did not receive the legal documents, as they were sent to addresses where she had never lived. She stated that she only learned of the lawsuit after reporters contacted her.

As reported by VIBE, “The underlying dispute dates back to a 2007 agreement in which Tompkins allegedly ‘irrevocably and exclusively’ sold the rights to her life story. Under the terms of that deal, she reportedly agreed that ‘she would not publicly disclose, exploit, or otherwise commercialize any aspect of her life story or related rights.’”

Jackson filed a $1 million lawsuit, claiming that Tompkins posted online stories about him after he signed the rights to her life story, in violation of the agreement. Tompkins was sued for breaching the contract.

Jackson purchased the rights for use in future projects, while also aiming to prevent Tompkins from monetizing his name. Tompkins, however, stated that she was forced to agree to the terms of the deal.

As reported by AllHipHop, “Tompkins’ defense is solid, too. She’s arguing the 2007 life-rights agreement wasn’t voluntary and that she signed it under duress, with threats and intimidation from 50 Cent and his late manager Chris Lighty.”

The appeal now leaves the dispute’s future in the appellate court’s hands, as both sides continue to battle over control of Tompkins’ story and the financial rights tied to it.

DOJ, Breonna Taylor, charges, Louisville — Photo by Leigh Vogel/Getty Images for Frontline Action Hub

by Kandiss Edwards

March 21, 2026

DOJ Moves To Clear Officers Accused Of Falsifying Warrant In Breonna Taylor Case

This decision follows years of legal losses for the prosecution’s case.

Federal prosecutors have asked a judge to dismiss all remaining charges against the Louisville officers accused of falsifying the search warrant that led to the fatal 2020 raid on Breonna Taylor’s home.

The Department of Justice filed the motion on March 20, according to an Associated Press report. Federal prosecutors are moving to drop the cases against former Detective Joshua Jaynes and former Sgt. Kyle Meany “with prejudice.” This would permanently bar the government from reviving these specific charges in the future.

This decision follows years of legal losses for the prosecution’s case. U.S. District Judge Charles Simpson twice reduced the original felony civil rights charges to misdemeanors. Judge Simpson ruled that the alleged falsified warrant was not the “proximate cause” of Taylor’s death. In his August 2024 decision, Simpson concluded that the chain of events was legally disrupted when Taylor’s boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, fired a shot at officers entering the apartment. This ruling effectively shielded Meany and Jaynes from the most severe federal penalties. The ruling left the DOJ with only misdemeanor “color-of-law” violations to pursue.

The move has drawn sharp condemnation from Breonna Taylor’s family and their legal representatives. In a Facebook post, Tamika Palmer, Taylor’s mother, expressed profound betrayal following a phone call from the Justice Department.

According to CBS News, attorney Ben Crump released a statement, stating that the dismissal strips away the final “scraps of justice” and undermines the message that Black lives are protected under the law.

Meany and Jaynes may walk away without accountability, and another individual may be convicted in connection with the raid. Former officer Brett Hankison was sentenced to 33 months for excessive force and is currently serving time. However, the DOJ’s recent request for his release during his appeal has sparked tension in the Louisville community. A hearing to finalize the dismissal of charges against Jaynes and Meany is currently scheduled for April 3, potentially closing the door on federal criminal accountability for the officers who initiated the raid six years ago.

Cardi B, Zevia, Investor , Ambassador — (Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images for MTV)

by Kandiss Edwards

March 21, 2026

Cardi B Goes All In On ‘Zero Fake’: Rap Star Joins Zevia As Investor And Ambassador

Cardi B is now the face of Zevia’s natural, zero-sugar mission.

Grammy-winning artist and entrepreneur Cardi B has joined Zevia as a shareholder and brand ambassador.

In a March 20 press release, Zevia announced the new partnership. The campaign leans on authenticity, promoting its drinks with the tagline “Zero Fake, Zero Sugar.” Cardi B’s reputation for giving unfiltered and humorous reactions seemingly makes her more than suitable for the partnership.

For Cardi B, the move is more than a standard endorsement. It is a strategic investment in the health and wellness space. Known for her “keep it real” persona, Cardi B is now the face of Zevia’s natural, zero-sugar mission. The brand aims to make the cleaner hydration drink culturally relevant to Cardi’s global audience.

“I’ve always been about being real with my fans, and that includes what I put in my body,” Cardi B stated during the launch. “I love soda, but I don’t love the junk. Zevia is zero sugar and plant-based, but it actually tastes good. We’re bringing that ‘Radical Realness’ to the world—no additives, no fake energy, just the real me and the real Zevia.”

Cardi B bags another massive deal with Zevia Soda as their brand Ambassador and shareholder while on SOLD OUT tour 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ZYcQTX3pHV
— Red Media (@RedMedia_us) March 20, 2026

Cardi B’s first major activation as a shareholder kicks off with the “Little Miss Drama Tour,” where Zevia serves as the lead sponsor for her record-breaking, sold-out tour. This integration goes beyond simple signage. Zevia is dedicated to serving the “UP” rapper’s fanbase by promoting ticket giveaways and interactive on-site activations specifically designed for the “Bardi Gang.”

“In a world full of fakes and artificial choices, Zevia stands for doing things the real way,” said Kirsten Suarez, chief marketing officer of Zevia. “Cardi B is unapologetically confident, says what she means, and never waters herself down, all qualities that mirror how we think about our ingredients and our brand. Together, we’re excited to show people that better-for-you doesn’t have to be boring, niche, or overcomplicated.”

Behind the scenes, Cardi B is taking an active role in the brand’s creative direction. The fashionista and Zevia shareholder is slated to collaborate directly with Zevia’s leadership team to influence future flavor innovations and visual storytelling.

A'ja Wilson, WNBA — (Photo: John Mac, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 21, 2026

Las Vegas Aces’ A’ja Wilson Expected To Re-Sign For $1.4M Annual Salary

The WNBA champion is expected to sign for the newly agreed supermax deal.

Shortly after an announcement that the WNBA and its players agreed on a tentative collective bargaining agreement (CBA), Las Vegas Aces player A’ja Wilson will be among the first to re-sign with a team on a supermax deal.

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Wilson, along with approximately 80% of the league’s players, is a free agent. After the CBA is certified by the players and then by the WNBA, teams may sign players, and Wilson has reportedly agreed to stay with Las Vegas.

Aces star A’ja Wilson is expected to re-sign on the historic new WNBA supermax salary of $1.4 million as soon as possible, sources told the Review-Journal.
DETAILS: https://t.co/CMym3dbBNJ pic.twitter.com/99QVt8hWru
— Las Vegas Review-Journal (@reviewjournal) March 19, 2026

The four-time league MVP is expected to make $1.4 million annually based on the terms of the just-negotiated CBA.

Wilson, who is considered among the top, if not the top, players in the league, signed a two-year extension in 2023 that paid her an annual salary of only $200,000, despite her accolades. She wasn’t even making the supermax, which was $249,000 for the season, under the last CBA.

Wilson is the first player in WNBA or NBA history to win the league scoring title, MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP in the same season. She also joined NBA Hall of Famer and NBA champion Bill Russell as the only other player to win three MVPs and three championships within four seasons.

USA Today reported that, under the new CBA, the WNBA salary cap increases to $7 million, up from $1.5 million last season. The revenue share also increases to nearly 20% for the players, up from the reported 9.3% from the previous CBA. Under the latest agreement, the supermax annual salary for a player is now $1.4 million, and the expected average salary is in the range of $600,000, with the minimum yearly pay above $300,000. The agreement isn’t fully finalized yet. The latest agreement prevents the WNBA from locking out its players for the upcoming season, which is scheduled to start May 8, provided there are no hiccups in getting the CBA signed by both parties.

Kanye, West, samplee, Ye, Vultures 1 — Photo by MEGA/GC Images

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 21, 2026

Ye Reaches Settlement In ‘Vultures 1’ Sample Dispute With Memphis Artists

The parties have 'reached a settlement agreement in principle resolving all claims between them.'

A copyright infringement lawsuit filed against the artist formerly known as Kanye West, Ye, has been settled by the recording artists who accused him of sampling one of their songs for use in his 2024 project, Vultures 1.

According to Hot 97, the song “Fuk Sumn” that appeared on a collaborative album that Ye did with Ty Dolla $ign, had allegedly unlawfully sampled a song, “Drink a Yak (Part 2)” by Criminal Manne (Vanda Watkins), DJ Squeeky (Hayward Ivy), and Kilo G (Robert L. Johnson Jr.). The “Drink a Yak (Part 2)” artists accused the music producer of failing to obtain permission to use the song, but have recently settled the dispute with Ye.

Before taking the producer to court, a West representative had reportedly tried to clear the sample but did not follow up, as the song was used without an agreement in place.

“After numerous unsuccessful attempts at resolving this matter directly with the responsible parties, plaintiffs have been left with no other method of recourse than to bring this cause of action,” attorneys for the producers wrote.

On March 18, the agreement was in place as both sides stated that they had “reached a settlement agreement in principle resolving all claims between them.” There was no information regarding the terms and payout, if any.

The news comes on the heels of a recent announcement that Ye is releasing his latest project, BULLY. After it was reported that the album would be out on March 20, recent postings have displayed a March 27 release date. It’s been common for Ye to announce release dates and then change them, as he has with his last few albums. It has been reported that the album will navigate themes of “remorse, memory, ego, faith, and consequence.”

This upcoming release will be the controversial artist’s 12th studio album.

https://twitter.com/ComplexMusic/status/2031194951804137710

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Angie Stone, Atlanta, home, children — Sister Circle TV, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

by Kandiss Edwards

March 21, 2026

Angie Stone’s Children Aim To Sell Singer’s Atlanta Home Due To Financial Burdens

The singer's children, Diamond Stone and Michael Archer II, are reportedly spearheading the sale to alleviate the mounting financial pressure of property taxes, insurance, and high-end upkeep.

One year after R&B icon Angie Stone died, her children have reportedly begun the process of selling her metro Atlanta home.

The singer’s children, Diamond Stone and Michael Archer II, are reportedly spearheading the sale to alleviate the mounting financial pressure of property taxes, insurance, and high-end upkeep. According to Eurweb, the family is facing significant “heavy mortgage bills and ongoing costs” that have become unsustainable in the wake of the singer’s passing. Before her death in March 2025, Stone had publicly shared her struggles with recovering unpaid royalties from her 40-year career. Unfortunately, her children will have to continue the fight on her behalf.

https://twitter.com/esegbona_luis/status/2028533586752623080

The sale of the singer’s residence marks a reasonable next step the management of her estate. The decision to downsize arrives as Diamond Stone and Michael Archer II pursue a wrongful death lawsuit filed against the parties they hold responsible for the March 2025 tragedy.

The complaint names the van driver, the trucking company, and the vehicle manufacturers as the parties responsible for Stone’s death. Diamond and Archer II allege a series of catastrophic failures that led to the singer’s death. According to the Associated Press, Angie Stone initially survived the rollover of her Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van on Interstate 65. The lawsuit claims she was attempting to escape the disabled vehicle when it was struck at full speed by a tractor-trailer. The plaintiffs argue that the truck’s driver was distracted by headphones and that a “defective” collision-avoidance system failed to detect the stationary van or engage the brakes.

By liquidating the Atlanta property, the family aims to alleviate the immediate “overwhelming costs” of the estate. The clearing of the financial hurdle will hopefully allow them to redirect their resources toward the ongoing litigation, as well as navigate the recovery of millions in alleged unpaid royalties Stone claimed she was owed. For Stone’s children, the sale is a necessary step to ensure that while her home may change hands, her legal right to justice and her musical legacy remain protected.

Rodeo Houston, dress code — (Photo: Sean P. Twomey/Pexels)

by Kandiss Edwards

March 21, 2026

No More Wild Fits: Houston Rodeo Tightens Dress Code After Viral Backlash

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo drilled down on its new dress code for all patrons, effective immediately.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) drilled down on its new dress code for all patrons, effective immediately.

The policy change was announced by the organization March 17 as the final week for the 2026 season commences. New guidelines follow a wave of social media backlash regarding inappropriate attire and a series of security incidents that forced an early closure of the carnival grounds earlier this month.

Rodeo officials emphasized that the updates to the Guest Code of Conduct are designed to preserve the event’s nearly 100-year legacy as a “family-friendly” environment. The move comes after viral videos on TikTok and Instagram sparked a city-wide debate over the increasingly adult tone of the rodeo, with many attendees calling for clearer boundaries on acceptable clothing.

Under the revised guidelines, HLSR reserves the right to deny entry or remove any individual wearing clothing that “detracts from the experience of other guests.” The specific prohibitions include obscene material, gang related apparel, and face coverings. However, to explicitly address the risqué aspects of rodeo attire, the HLSR drilled down on specifics.

“Appropriate for the HLSR Show grounds includes, but is not limited to, clothing with objectionable material
(including obscene language or graphics), excessively torn cloth, visible undergarments, and/or clothing which, by nature, exposes excessive portions of the skin that may be viewed as inappropriate for a family environment.”

Supporters argue the rules are necessary to maintain decorum. In a statement, the organization said the atmosphere of the event is centered around family.

“This is a family-friendly event,” said HLSR leadership, according to Click2Houston. “We’ve had more concerns, complaints, and questions about the dress code this year than in previous years, and we felt we had to clarify our stance.”

The 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is scheduled to conclude on March 22.

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