• Entertainment

by Rafael Pena

November 28, 2023

Honoring The Legacy Of Kool DJ Red Alert On His 67th Birthday

On Nov. 27 in 1956, Fred Crute, the influential Kool DJ Red Alert, was born. Marking the birth of a true pioneer in the world of Hip Hop.

---

Celebrating his 67th birthday today, Kool DJ Red Alert stands as one of hip-hop’s most influential DJs. Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, The Source shed light on the often-overlooked contributions of this hip-hop pioneer, delving into the profound impact Red Alert has made on the culture.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by THE KOOL DJ RED ALERT ™ 📻 (@propmasterretro)

To this day, listeners can tune in to him on 98.7 KISS FM in New York City, where his musical influence endures. On KISS FM, the airwaves resonate with tunes from iconic rap acts he discovered, featuring artists like Queen Latifah and groups such as A Tribe Called Quest and The Jungle Brothers. Primarily, these artists were affiliated with the Native Tongues movement during the late ’80s and early ’90s.

Red Alert was also a trailblazer in the development of mixtapes, and was one of the first DJs to pioneer this trend. In the 80s, he achieved another groundbreaking feat by being the first DJ to introduce dancehall music to mainstream radio. Furthermore, Red Alert played a pivotal role at the forefront of a historic rap battle between the Juice Crew and BDP, marking a significant moment in hip-hop history when he debuted the “South Bronx” single on KISS FM.

DJ Red Alert’s indelible mark on hip-hop transcends time, resonating with the vibrant beats and rhythms of the genre. His pioneering contributions have not only shaped the foundations of hip-hop but continue to inspire contemporary DJs. As the sole hip-hop DJ honored with a display in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in Ohio, Red Alert’s legacy serves as a guiding light for aspiring artists and enthusiasts alike. Celebrating his 67th birthday, we acknowledge Red Alert not just as a pivotal figure in hip-hop history but as an ongoing force integral to the genre’s ever-evolving narrative. His influence reverberates through the beats of today, ensuring that the spirit of Red Alert remains an enduring component of the dynamic evolution of hip-hop.

RELATED CONTENT: First Ever Global Spin Awards Ceremony

• Career

by Janell Hazelwood

November 28, 2023

Boredom Or Sloth: 5 Steps To Get Rid Of A Case Of The Lazies

It's a popular stereotype that millennials are lazy. For those who embody the hype, here are five steps to get get motivated for boss moves.

---

Originally Published March 13, 2014 

There’s always that sentiment noted over and over again: Millennials are lazy, entitled, and unmotivated.

(But, smart people who aren’t wearing bias-tinted glasses know we are some of the most charitable, civic-minded, physically active, entrepreneurial and innovative groups on Earth.)

As with any stereotype, some of our peers make it easy for employers and senior professionals to raise a discerning eyebrow, failing to push past average and beyond limitations to go above and beyond for greatness.

Even those of us constantly making boss moves in an effort to upgrade our careers and livelihoods have those moments of laziness—where sloth wins over making power plays.

(My Granny will often scold me in my moments of weakness: “I’m almost 90 and I’m able to wake up early and get things done. Why are you tired?” How embarrassing, right?)

So, whether you just haven’t felt that burst of enthusiasm for anything after college graduation, or you’re in a phase of burnout that’s just lasted way too long, try these five steps to shake it all off:

1. Be sure you’re up to par with your health check-ups.

If you’re transitioning from college life to the grown-folk’s arena, you might not have taken the adequate time to focus on your check-ups (especially if mom and dad aren’t making the appointments or reminding you). Put your big girl panties or big boy boxers on, and get those general checkups, STD tests, Pap smears and dental cleanings.

Also, see a counselor, even if there’s nothing wrong. It doesn’t hurt to talk to someone, whether it’s about your latest promotion or how to cope with the stress of finding out what exactly you want to do with your life.

If you’re a young professional, whose plight to climb the ladder has left little room for sleep, let alone a doctor’s visit, make time to know where you stand in terms of your health.

2. Add fitness to your daily or weekly routine—even if the thought of it makes you cringe.

Not only does it boost your energy, but you’ll look and feel better each day. Schedule in fun activities, whether its taking an hour for gym time or 30 minutes of dancing to your favorite mix in the morning. Schedule this as you would a business meeting or hair appointment.

3. Challenge yourself via games, interesting reading, and interactive events with friends.

Sometimes those creative juices flow more freely when you’re constantly giving yourself mental and intellectual stimulation. Turn off that TV and get into a few video games, books on industry trends or your passions, or travel excursions (local or international.)

4. Make time for learning a new hobby or skill, or relearning something you let go of as a child but want to revisit.

I was once an alto saxophone-playing band geek, and I remember greatly enjoying writing and reading music. Relearning the saxophone not only helps take my mind off the stresses of everyday life, but it gives me something to look forward to in terms of accomplishing something that my livelihood doesn’t depend on. It’s a great idea to challenge yourself to learn something new or brush up on skills such as languages, coding, cosmetology, or sports, especially if it could help your career in some way.

5. Reevaluate what makes you happy via a vision board or blog.

Sometimes mapping things out visually or blogging about life can put things into better perspective. Maybe you need a job or career change, or relocation is in order. Maybe you just need a kick in the pants via inspiring comments, shared experiences, or responses to your writing.

Just remember, you can’t make boss moves if you’re not motivated to, well, move. Millennials, don’t let a case of the lazies keep you from greatness.

RELATED CONTENT: Taking The Conversation To Work: Let’s Talk About Black Mental Health

• News

by Rafael Pena

November 28, 2023

Legendary NYC Reporter Pablo Guzmán Dies From Heart Attack At 73

Legendary NYC news reporter Pablo Guzmán died Sunday from a heart attack. He was 73.

---

Pablo Guzmán, the venerable New York news reporter, died November 26 from a heart attack, according to the Daily Mail. He was 73.

His enduring presence in the field spanned decades, during which he immersed himself in the intricacies of the city’s politics, crime narratives, and historical transformations. Fondly referred to as “the Son of the Bronx,” Guzmán led a life dedicated to the people of New York City.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, expressing condolences on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, remembered Guzmán as someone who fearlessly spoke truth to power, holding leaders accountable. Adams hailed Guzmán’s contributions, stating, “Our city is a better place because of the work he did, and he will be truly missed. Rest in peace.”

Guzmán’s recent role as a senior correspondent for CBS highlighted his enduring dedication to journalism. He started out as a reporter for WNEW-TV, Channel 5. In 1992, during his days at NBC, he won an Emmy for his reporting on the murder of an NYPD officer. Guzmán worked at CBS 2 for approximately 16 years, engaging with luminaries like Spike Lee, Robert De Niro, Sting, Carlos Santana, and John Fogerty.

However, Guzman’s legacy didn’t start with journalism. He co-founded the Young Lords, a transformative Puerto Rican street gang turned civil rights group that advocated for causes ranging from Puerto Rican independence to local community change.

“I never knew what was going to come out of his mouth,” Guzmán’s colleague, Cindy Hsu said. Pablo was so original and is going to be missed. He knew everybody.”

News director Sarah Burke emphasized Guzmán’s ability to bring out “the best in people,” earning their trust. CBS 2 reporter Tony Aiello also paid tribute, calling Guzmán as the “real deal… whose reporting pulsated with vitality earned on the streets of El Barrio.”

RELATED CONTENT: NYC News Anchor Ruschell Boone Dies From Cancer

• Celebrity News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 28, 2023

André 3000’s All-Flute Album Beat Out Lil Wayne, Nas, Doja Cat, And Other Rappers With First-Week Sales

André 3000 didn't even have to rap on his latest album, "New Blue Sun," to outperform most of his peers in hip-hop.

---

André 3000 didn’t even have to rap on his new album to outperform most of his peers.

The OutKast member released his woodwind-filled album New Blue Sun on Nov. 17 and beat out rappers like Lil Wayne, Nas, and Logic with his first-week sales. According to Hits Daily Double, 3000’s first album release in 17 years debuted at number 30 on the list of the top 50 albums with 24,244 units sold.

While he didn’t beat out Drake, Dolly Parton, and Taylor Swift who sit in the top three spots, he did surpass names like Doja Cat, The Weeknd, Chris Brown, and NBA Young Boy. André 3000 was clear about not rapping on his latest release, opting for no words at all.

Here are some of the rappers he bested, according to Hip Hop by the Numbers.

Rappers Andre 3000 outsold w/ his flute album (24k)

Nas (17k)
Logic (18k)
Lil Tjay (22k)
EST Gee (17k)
Ice Spice (15k)
Lil Wayne (19k)
Kodak Black (23k)
Macklemore (22k)
Rae Sremmurd (18k)
Westside Gunn (20k)
French Montana (21k)
Real Boston Richey (15k)
Yo Gotti x DJ Drama… pic.twitter.com/q3fIk1RLcf

— Hip Hop By The Numbers (@HipHopNumbers) November 25, 2023

New Blue Sun also secured a placement on Billboard‘s Hot 100 with the album’s opening track, “I Swear, I Really Wanted To Make A ‘Rap’ Album But This Is Literally The Way The Wind Blew Me This Time,” debuting at No. 90.

Billboard Hot 100: #90(new) I Swear, I Really Wanted to Make a 'Rap' Album but This Is Literally the Way the Wind Blew Me This Time, André 3000.

— chart data (@chartdata) November 27, 2023

Fans celebrated the success of André 3000’s genre-bending music release that he put out “independently” and with “no rollout,” as one fan noted.

“Nothing against a few of these people, but this even being remotely successful should just show people to put out what you want and feel and it will be respected,” one user wrote.

“If this isn’t a wake-up call for rappers to make better songs/albums then idk what is,” added someone else.

RELATED CONTENT: Mugshots And Videos Of Tupac And Biggie Expected to Fetch Big Bucks At Auction

• News History

by Kandiss Edwards

November 28, 2023

9 Simple Ways To Inspire People To Be Great

9 simple tips to learn the keys to positive reinforcement and encouragement that will propel people to move in the right direction.

---

Originally Published Nov. 23, 2016

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’
–Maya Angelou

This quote by Maya Angelou is a simple reminder of the impact one can make in someone’s life through an act of kindness, positive inspiration, or something as small as how one responds to a text message.

I used to think I was weak because I would not respond to situations or people in a way that would hurt them, but now I realize it’s OK. I want to be a peacemaker or peacekeeper when at all possible, and in doing so, I believe that I am bringing out the best in others. Inspiration is powerful and can significantly change a person’s life.

Greatness is different for everyone, and you have to determine what makes you great or what it means for you to be great yourself. Inspiring someone to greatness is both good for those who are being inspired and the one providing inspiration.

Here are a few tips I’d like to share with you to encourage greatness.

1. Be Authentic

People want to know that you care; the best way to show you care is to be authentic and kind.

2. Be Enthusiastic

It is said that nothing happens without enthusiasm. When you are enthusiastic, you are more attractive and inviting. Enthusiasm is infectious. When you are enthusiastic about the work you do, you will spark a fire of enthusiasm in others.

3. Connect Emotionally

Connecting emotionally means being interested and making others feel important. For example, commenting on a Facebook post versus just hitting the ‘like’ button goes a long way. We all want to be liked and supported.

4. Be a Storyteller

When we hear stories, we build a stronger connection with the person telling the story and give them the freedom to share their own stories.

5. Be Encouraging

Encouragement is such a selfless act, and words matter. Our words have the capacity to change lives and bring life.

6. Be a Listener

Being distracted and doing other things while someone is talking to you is the fastest way to show that you are uninterested. You must listen with your eyes.

7. Keep Your Promises:

Showing up is the key to success. The quickest way to destroy the trust that you’ve worked so hard for is not to keep your word. Even if you need more time, do what you said.

8. Keep It Positive

A great way to stay positive is to write down what you are grateful for.

9. Be Charismatic and Confident

Confident body language affects how others see you. For example, a simple smile is a sign of both confidence and charisma.
Have you had the pleasure of inspiring someone to take a positive step forward to a better life? Or, has someone helped inspire you to overcome a significant struggle? If so, we’d love to hear all about it in the comments.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Non-Profit Uses Mobile Mentoring Bus And New Apparel Line To Inspire Black And Brown Youth

This article was written by LaToyia Dennis.

LaToyia Dennis is a wife, motivated mom, parent enthusiast, principal fundraising consultant, and founder of A Chance to Learn. LaToyia is a dynamic, savvy, MBA-educated, successful leader in advancing the nonprofit sector, a relationship manager, and an enthusiastic speaker. Learn more about LaToyia via her website at www.motivatedmom.org and follow her on Twitter @LaToyiaDennis.

• Entertainment

by Rafael Pena

November 28, 2023

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Star Micah Abbey Made $5K A Day During Filming

Micah Abbey emerged not only as a formidable talent in "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" but also as a financial powerhouse.

---

In the realm of animated blockbuster success, 16-year-old Micah Abbey emerged not only as a formidable talent in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, which was released in theaters on Aug. 2, but also as a financial powerhouse. Disclosures from his minors contract, as reported by TMZ, reveal that Micah commanded an impressive $5,000 per recording session for his role as Donatello, securing a guaranteed payday of $50,000.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Micah Abbey (@micahabbey)

Micah Abbey, hailing from a suburb of Columbus, Ohio, embarked on a journey to Los Angeles at the tender age of ten. A cultural blend of Italian and Eastern European heritage from his mother’s side intersects with the tapestry of being a first-generation Ghanaian on his father’s side, according to IMDb. 

The contract hinted at even more substantial earnings through potential bonuses, dangling an enticing $225,000 if the film had achieved a lofty $300 million at the domestic box office. Unfortunately, the movie fell short of this mark, grossing approximately $118 million domestically, meaning Micah missed out on the bonus windfall.

Despite not reaching the ambitious box office target, the animated reboot featuring heavyweight stars like John Cena, Seth Rogen, and Rose Byrne, resonated positively with fans, earning a 90% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Micah’s journey to financial success doesn’t conclude with this project. The talented teen is set to continue reaping the rewards of his vocal prowess as he reprises his role in the upcoming Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series, scheduled to debut on Paramount+ next year.

Micah’s story mirrors not only his rise as a young star but also the evolving landscape of animated film successes, where talent and audience appeal often translate into significant financial gains.

RELATED CONTENT: Nick Cannon Shares What It Takes To Be A Future Superstar

by Atiya Jordan

November 28, 2023

40% Of Sex-Related Industry Workers Experienced Bank Account Closures 

Advocates call the decriminalization of sex work a racial justice issue, requiring efforts to address the root causes of vulnerability.

---

Banking access has been an issue for the entire sex work community since at least the 1960s. However, BIPOC sex-related industry workers remain with fewer, and often less attractive, options for financial stability.

According to The New York Times, an increasing number of customer bank accounts are shutting down without due process, but those who work in sex-related industries say they have “long-lived under that threat of eviction.”

The criminalization of consensual sex work has often triggered vulnerabilities in financial censorship and a lack of accountability by tech platforms, which disproportionately harm Black and Brown communities.

For instance, PayPal and Venmo have a history of closing random accounts of sex workers and small businesses in the adult industry without explanation. According to a May report by the Free Speech Coalition, a nonprofit trade group for the adult entertainment industry, nearly two-thirds of respondents working in the adult industry have lost access to a bank account or financial service. What’s more, 40 percent of those respondents experienced account closures in the past year.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Free Speech Coalition (@freespeechcoalition)

“If giving you a bank account is likely to make them lose money or expose them to undue risk that is not proportionate to the reward, they are not going to give you a bank account,” Bianca Beebe, a sex work policy researcher and former co-chair of the Oregon Sex Workers’ Committee, told the Times.

In 2021, MasterCard asked for adult content to be reviewed by hosting sites before publishing,  enforcing that sellers present “documented age and identity verification for all people depicted and those uploading the content.”

In the same year, OnlyFans announced that it would ban sexual content because banking entities were opposed to processing payments related to adult content. A few days later, the platform reversed its decision following backlash from content creators who charge subscribers fees for watching their sexual content. But some of its creators are still struggling to get paid.

“Companies like Mastercard have been unduly influenced by anti-porn and anti-sex work groups such as the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (formally Morality in Media) and anti-prostitution activists,” said Angela Jones, a sex work scholar from New York, Mashable reported.

“It is important to realize that these activists are not actually targeting trafficking; instead, they use anti-trafficking discourse as a way of targeting all forms of commercial sex. The goal of the anti-porn movement is to deplatform all sex workers.”

Advocates call the decriminalization of sex work a racial justice issue, requiring efforts to address the root causes of vulnerability. Black women sex workers navigate in a space where racism and sexism intersect, and BIPOC sex workers as a whole remain exploited while financial discrimination limits their access to other rights, like a credit score, buying property, or insurance.

As a result, sex workers strive to support themselves through proactively saving money and finding alternative ways for compensation. Some workers switch creator platforms, use crypto to facilitate payments, or build websites for direct payment.

In Sex Workers, Psychics, and Numbers Runners, author Lashawn Harris argued that the “underground economy” helped Black women rise to the top during the 20^th century. In other words, sex work was among other unreported work that catalyzed working-class Black women’s creation of financial stability and a sense of labor autonomy and mobility.

“Many working-poor women viewed unreported labor as possible avenues toward affording high city costs and confronting labor discrimination and the 1930s economic downturn. Others reasoned that informal labor offered opportunities to construct new labor identities, escape unskilled labor and family dysfunction, and secure wealth, sexual pleasures, and employment mobility.”

At the same time, Black women were more likely to experience the “conspicuous and hidden dangers associated” with such volatile labor opportunities.

• Sports

by Derek Major

November 28, 2023

Ohio State Athletic Director Goes Off On Unknown University Of Michigan Staffer

OSU's Gene Smith wasn't having it.

---

The games between Michigan and Ohio State are always testy affairs, but the tension hit a fever pitch between the two teams last weekend. A clip posted by Trey Wallace of Outkick on X shows Ohio State Athletic Director Gene Smith getting into a profanity-laced conversation with an unidentified sideline official and a Michigan staff member.

In the clip, the Michigan official asks Smith for his name and questions him for seemingly standing too close to the field during the game. Smith did not take the questions well.

“What the f— is yours? What the f— is your name?” Smith asked the official before turning his attention to the Michigan staffer. “I’m behind the yellow line. Don’t get me started.”

The clip ends when an off-camera Michigan staffer swiped [at Wallace’s phone. It’s unclear what led to Smith’s response. 

Unfortunately, Smith, who will retire at the end of the 2023-24 academic year, Michigan got the last word, winning the game 30-24 and qualifying for the Big Ten Conference Championship game against Iowa on Dec. 2 at Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts.

For Michigan, making the Big Ten Championship is a slap in the face of those who accused the Wolverines and head coach Jim Harbaugh of cheating after Harbaugh was forced to miss Michigan’s last three games of the regular season against Penn State, Maryland, and Ohio State amid the conference’s investigation into alleged impermissible, in-person sign-stealing by a member of Michigan’s football staff.

Ohio State, meanwhile, is likely to miss the College Football Playoff, but it may get a bid to a New Year’s Day bowl game. Outside of what bowl game the Buckeyes will play, all eyes are on wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and whether he will enter the NFL Draft, where he is a lock to be a top-five pick or return to Ohio State for his senior year.

• Health and Wellness

by Stacy Jackson

November 28, 2023

115 Days and Counting: New Jersey Nurses Strike For Better Pay

Nurses at one of the largest hospitals in New Jersey want better pay and strict patient-to-nurse ratios like those in California.

---

Nurses at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, one of the largest in the state of New Jersey, continue a 115-day strike that started on Aug. 4 to demand better pay.

The nurses at the 620-bed New Brunswick hospital want better pay and strict patient-to-nurse ratios, NJ.com reported. But hospital officials oppose enforceable patient-to-nurse ratios because they believe it limits the flexibility of staffing during higher volume periods, according to the outlet.

Health professionals allege chronic understaffing compromised patient care. They believe New Jersey should enforce staffing guidelines like California.

According to Becker’s Hospital Review, California law enforces a one-to-one ratio of nurses to patients in operating rooms, one-to-two in intensive care, labor and delivery, ICU patients in the ER, and neonatal care and one-to-four in emergency rooms, postpartum/antepartum and telemetry units among other guidelines.

Going without pay is a courageous undertaking in a tough economy and Judy Danella, a registered nurse at the facility and president of United Steel Workers Local 4-200 believes the hospital is using it to its advantage. Danella, the president of the union that represents the nurses said about the loss of payment according to NJ.com, “I believe that’s probably one of the aspects that the hospital is using to break the union.”

Wendy Gottsegen, a spokeswoman for the hospital said “the strike has cost the hospital over $120 million to ensure continuity of all patient care services, which we have achieved.” She added that the hospital is

“increasingly concerned for the well-being of [its] nurses and their families, and the impact the union’s prolonged strike is having on them as the union’s labor action extends.”

According to Gottsegen, “RWJUH staffing guidelines meet or exceed the union staffing proposal from months ago, even before the strike, and include nurse-to-patient standards that far exceed ratios proposed in legislation in Trenton or in staffing laws passed in states like California.” The spokeswoman added that they hope “to reach a fair and equitable resolution as soon as possible to end this strike and bring [its] nurses back.”

One nurse, identified as Jeffrey Martin said to the outlet that “The last three months have been pretty difficult.”

The nurses who have gone 87 days without benefits and 115 days without a paycheck continue to stand their ground against RWJBarnabas Health, known to be one of the most powerful entities in the state, the outlet noted.

RELATED CONTENT: Finally! SAG-AFTRA Strike Comes to An End After Reaching Tentative Deal With Studios