by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 23, 2023

Eddie Murphy Returns As Axel Foley For ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Alex Foley’ Slated For 2024 On Netflix

Eddie Murphy reprises his role in the famed film franchise, this time for Netflix

Axel Foley is back!

The fourth installment of the Eddie Murphy-led Beverly Hills Cop franchise will debut in 2024, according to a post on X. The sequel is the latest film that comes nearly 30 years after the third installment hit theaters in 1994.

He’s back. Axel Foley returns in 2024! pic.twitter.com/IQkJBvq2QF

— Netflix (@netflix) November 21, 2023

The title of this film is Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley. In this movie, the Detroit police officer returns to Beverly Hills again.

Murphy has been busy since his last appearance as Foley. Four years ago, Murphy starred in the Dolemite biopic Dolemite Is My Name, which aired on Netflix. After a successful run, the streaming giant picked up the rights to make the next sequel to Beverly Hills Cop, with Eddie Murphy taking the lead role once again and Jerry Bruckheimer set to produce. Netflix secured an exclusive one-time licensing agreement with Paramount, the original producer and distributor of the trilogy. This agreement included an option for a sequel, granting the streaming platform the authority to create the fourth installment in the film series.

Paramount retains the rights to the underlying intellectual property and the original three movies.

John Taggart (played by John Ashton) and Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold), the two Los Angeles police detectives who appeared alongside Foley, will be by his side again in this latest adventure. Paul Reiser is also returning to reprise his role of Jeffrey Friedman. Even Serge (Bronson Pinchot) makes an appearance in the film.

Empire reports that the plot involves Taylour Paige playing Foley’s daughter as a criminal defense attorney. She pulls him into a case she is working on in California. Kevin Bacon is a special-unit police officer who works the case with Murphy, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays a character.

Mark Molloy directed the sequel, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley.

The first Beverly Hills Cop was released in 1984, followed by two sequels in 1987 and 1994, and has grossed $735.5 million worldwide.

Tiffany Haddish, Hanukkah, Jewish, roots, life

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 23, 2023

Tiffany Haddish’s Former Friend Looks Forward To Facing The Comedian In Arbitration

'I plan on exposing how evil and desperate for fame Tiffany really is,' said Trizah Morris

After a judge ruled against her attempt to keep her defamation lawsuit against her former friend, Tiffany Haddish, from being heard in arbitration, Trizah Morris responded to the ruling by saying she is looking forward to “exposing how evil and desperate for fame Tiffany really is.”

According to Radar Online, Morris stated she didn’t understand the protocols of arbitration but now that she knows about the process, she is anxious to prove her case against Haddish. She gave a statement to the media outlet after the comedian won the battle to have the case tried in private arbitration as opposed to an open courtroom.

“I wasn’t concerned about the case being out of the public eye because I am not personally interested in any exposure,” Morris stated. “I was more concerned about the arbitration because I didn’t understand the process. Now that I know how it works, I look forward to presenting concrete evidence of how my daughter and I were bullied into signing the agreement and how she lied about being extorted. I plan on exposing how evil and desperate for fame Tiffany really is.”

Recently, “The Last O.G.” actress requested that Morris’ lawsuit be heard in arbitration since her former friend signed a non-disclosure agreement, and the judge agreed with the comedian and granted her the request. This was due to Morris agreeing to do so if there were any disputes. But, Morris claimed that she signed that agreement under duress after Haddish and her team bullied her into doing so.

After Morris’ adult children settled a sexual abuse lawsuit against Haddish and fellow comedian Aries Spears in September 2022, Morris claimed the two comedians defamed her publicly by saying that she was trying to extort the two of them. Earlier this year, in February, Morris stated she got in contact with the attorneys of both comedians, requesting they release a statement clearing her from the extortion claims. That did not happen.

In her suit, Morris says she suffered personally, academically, professionally, and financially due to the comedian defaming her. She also claims that she has suffered anxiety and mental anguish over the damage done to her reputation.

It’s Giving Stress-Free: 5 Ways To Manage Stress This Thanksgiving

by Jasmine Jackson

November 23, 2023

It’s Giving Stress-Free: 5 Ways To Manage Stress This Thanksgiving

The holiday season can feel stressful. Here are five tips for managing stress so your Thanksgiving holiday doesn’t turn into a scene from Soul Food.

Originally published Nov. 24, 2022

While #ThanksgivingWithBlackFamilies captures snapshots of the humorous side of the holiday, some Black folks may find the season stressful.

If the thought of coming together under one roof with your estranged cousins, opinionated aunties, and whimsical uncles stresses you out—breathe, child. Here are five tips for managing stress so your Thanksgiving holiday doesn’t turn into a scene from Soul Food.

Get an early start

If you want to keep your stress levels low this holiday season, aim to get out of bed before everyone else. Take time to gather your thoughts and express gratitude in your own way. This might look like praying, exercising, or making a cup of coffee. Get creative about how you start your day. Try taking a walk, listening to music, etc. An early start will allow you to cook, plan, or even last-minute shop before the madness begins.

Plan entertainment

This might be especially beneficial if you’re on kitchen duty. Unless you’re ordering dishes—no shame if you are—expect hungry family members to crowd around the kitchen before the food is ready. Before you start cooking, place board games out to keep your family entertained. Not many uncles and aunties can resist a good old card game. Leave the remote out or turn on a football game. Take a look at the Thanksgiving lineup on nfl.com.

Identify your triggers

Never-ending questions about the future, like when you plan to have kids, might trigger you into defensiveness. To keep your stress under control, identify your triggers. For example, are you sensitive when discussing your career? What will you say if you get hit with, “So what do you plan to do after you graduate?” Do questions about marriage make you feel like you’re in the hot seat? Expect your family to approach you with nosy questions like, “Are you still single?” or “Why didn’t you invite your boyfriend/girlfriend?” Prepare yourself by practicing responses ahead of time.

Think before you respond

Sometimes a fight over the last piece of pie has been years in the making. Tension between in-laws, old grudges, and other disagreements are bound to happen. To minimize your stress, think before you respond. If you find yourself in the middle of a conflict, consider if you really mean what you plan to say or you’re just itching to one-up your family member. Think about how you feel when you’re on the receiving end of conflict, and try to remember that what you say in the heat of the moment can stick with someone for a lifetime and leave you full of remorse.

Ask for help

The demands of the holiday season can feel like too much at one time. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with responsibilities, try asking family members for help with tasks. Maybe you’re missing a loved one who passed on and need to talk out your emotions. Get professional help from a therapist or doctor if needed. While the holidays can bring happiness, the season can also stir feelings of sadness and stress. Acknowledge that your feelings are valid and lean on family, friends, or professionals for support.

Now go and enjoy your stress-free Thanksgiving, and remember to save some food for everybody else when you fix your plate.

by Sharelle B. McNair

November 23, 2023

Equity Firm Co-Owner Kneeland Youngblood Sues Oil Company For $900M Over Land On Behalf Of Enslaved Ancestors

Victory for descendants sets a precedent for equitable land ownership.

The founder of a Black-owned equity firm is suing one of America’s largest oil firms on behalf of his enslaved ancestors, the Daily Mail reported. Kneeland Youngblood, co-founder of Pharos Capital Group, has filed a lawsuit against ConocoPhillips for $900 million for allegedly keeping money from him and his family for the property – a 14.77 acre tract of land – in Texas that he claims was bought by his freed slaved ancestors. The land in question is 60 miles southeast of San Antonio and could be worth millions. The lawsuit is on behalf of Youngblood’s great-great-grandfather’s descendants for royalty payouts.

According to the suit, the oil giant ignored the Youngblood claim of the land and decided to side with another family, listed as the Korths. The firm signed with the Korth family in order to streamline oil royalty payments and allegedly cut Youngblood completely out of the equation.

Disputes over the land date back to a period after the Civil War. Youngblood’s great-great-grandfather, Louis Eckford, bought the land in Karnes County in 1889 after he and his wife were freed from slavery. Following his death in 1896, his half passed on to his wife, Eliza, while the rest went to their nine kids. When Eliza died, a well-known white money lender, named Fritz Korth, took over her interest in the property as repayment for a $300 loan. The loan was secured by a deed of trust on the land.

Now, both sides are fighting for their legacy on the land as Korth family descendants claim he bought her children’s shares as well.

Fritz paid $735.50 for the land in 1939 after none of Eliza’s children claimed the land after her death, essentially passing control of the tract to the Korths. As of 2023, the family runs a cattle operation on the ranch. Two-hundred Eckford descendants, including Youngblood, have never profited from the land.

Decades later in 2008, ConocoPhillips approached the Kroths to begin drilling for crude oil. The company then acquired leases with the family and signed leases with some of the Eckford heirs. Since 2011, when Youngblood’s family first heard about the plot of land, the former emergency room doctor has been formally trying to establish his family’s shared ownership rights.

According the Daily Beast, Youngblood said in an interview with The Wall Street Street Journal that the fight is about legacy.

“This is about legacy,” Youngblood said. He continued to say that the outcome of this fight “for many of my relatives, it could be transformative.”

A Texas jury confirmed during the summer of 2023 that the Youngblood’s family were the rightful co-owners of the oil-rich land. Youngblood describes the victory as win, especially for other Black families who may have missed out on the benefits from Texan land that has been dispossessed in the last century.

ConocoPhillips has denied any wrongdoing in court filings.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 23, 2023

Harvard Students Deal A Winning Hand With Spades Clinic, Uniting The Ivy League In Card Game Fun

The informative packet details everything from taking score to trash-talking.

Two Harvard University students are in the spirit of giving back by introducing a classic card game to their classmates. Hosting a spades clinic, the scholars broke down the holiday favorite so that the Ivy League can join the fun.

The presentation was led by Alliyah Gary and Chelsea Grain Jefferson, two Black women studying at Harvard Business School, as they hosted the interactive session to give their cohort lessons on how to win the competitive game. With printouts teaching students the basics, including how to take score and bidding, to more cultural elements associated with the game, including some words for trash talk, the game broke color boundaries as students of all backgrounds took part in the practice.

The card-dealing duo showcased the event in a shared post to Instagram.

“This holiday season, we hosted a spade clinic in the spirit of giving back,” shared the women in academia. The special packet, labeled “Spades Clinic: Culture 101,” detailed all the rules and regulations of the game, as made public by Medium.

In the article, the authors explained their journey to creating the printouts, stating that they wanted to encourage others in their community to play. However, they understood that a lack of knowledge on how to engage resulted in hesitation. Thus, the spades clinic was formed.

“Inconveniently, it was actually hard to find materials to use to teach the clinic, so in typical Harvard fashion, we made our own,” stated Gary and Grain Jefferson. “We also passed out an article about its history/significance and put some key rules up on a slide so people could reference them as they played.”

In the information packet’s glossary, spades vocabulary such as “cut,” meaning when one places a spade down to win over another suit, as well as “renege,” when one places another card down despite having a card that matches the suit at play, were listed. Including all the nuances of gameplay, including when and when not to speak to one’s partner, the printout is a comprehensive list of all one needs to get started.

According to The New York Times, spades has been traced back to Cincinnati in the late 1930s, and has become a staple in Black households during family and friend gatherings. Depicted in beloved Black films such as The Best Man series, to more recent movies like The Blackening, the card game is a pillar of African-American culture that has been passed down for generations. With these detailed directions now available to teach any player the tricks, spades is getting a new level of legitimacy, right in time for the holidays.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

November 23, 2023

Finding an Easy Meet and Fuck in the UK

As more people turn to apps for no-strings-attached sex, finding a genuine meet and fuck in the UK can be a challenge. Between scam profiles and flaky matches, many platforms overpromise on steamy hookups but underdeliver on actual results.

Unlike mainstream dating apps, quality hookup apps cater to singles motivated primarily by sexual chemistry versus romantic connections. This means their success hinges less on fancy algorithms, and more on cultivating an engaged user base actively seeking erotic encounters with mutual satisfaction as the end goal.

Struggles of Traditional Hookup Platforms

Legacy hookup platforms rely on volume over validity — prioritizing impressions over real meetups. They fail to address the unique motivations, hesitations and requirements of singles exploring casual dating in 2023. Specifically:

For men this often means:

Wasting hours messaging unresponsive or fake female accounts
Getting little guidance on presenting an engaging dating profile

For women common pitfalls include:

Feeling overwhelmed by crude come-ons and unvetted matches
Lacking tools to screen motivated dates aligned with their preferences

For all these compounding frustrations equal:

Dwindling trust in the legitimacy of platforms promising steamy connections
Difficulty transitioning digital chatter into real-life hookup coordination

Mainstream design severely limits users’ abilities to manifest their ideal casual encounter from behind the screen.

How XXXApp Solves These Struggles

Easy Meet and Fuck holds status as UK’s leading meet and fuck app by catering to the practical obstacles that leave most feeling disenchanted by hookup platforms.

Rigorous Verification Methods

All users must pass photo verification checks to confirm they match pictures on their profile before accessing the full platform. This essential vetting step prevents scam bots and fake accounts in their tracks — saving everyone the headache down the line.

Shared Motivations Between Members

With everyone united by clearly communicated expectations for no-strings-attached sex, singles align on motivations from the start. Mutually understood priorities remove assumptions and awkwardness around simply looking to get laid.

Targeted Fuck Buddy Matching

Preference questionnaires and profile building prompts allow singles to articulate turn-ons, availability, ideal body types, sexual interests and more upfront. Easy Meet and Fuck’s matching then keeps suggestions limited strictly to suitable hookup candidates.

Built-In Date Coordination

Once a match sparks genuine chemistry, in-app messaging and scheduling tools let both parties seamlessly rendezvous IRL for spontaneous thrills with minimal hassle.

Post-Date Reviews

After meetups, individuals leave feedback and star ratings on their hookup’s profile. This digital word-of-mouth underscores promising fuck buddies within the community for all members’ ongoing benefit.

Aligning singles under a highly targeted purpose backed by tailored meetup technology, Easy Meet and Fuck App offers British singles the fastest and most guaranteed path to no strings attached sex available today.

Consistent Support for Sealing Satisfying Hookups

Unlike traditional dating platforms relying solely on algorithms — Easy Meet and Fuck App recognizes human guidance significantly influences follow-through. As such, their team offers round-the-clock support addressing individual frustrations through:

Profile Audits: 1-on-1 consultations refine the framing, imaging and text of dating profiles to amplify appeal and engagement

Preference Adjustments: Experts customize site parameters around turn ons, availability schedules, neighborhoods and more to open prospects

Outreach Critiques: Specialists review flirty banter samples to improve friendly vetting and sexual tension capable of manifesting meetups

Date Coaching: Lastly, should in-person coordination stall, liaisons step in facilitating logistics via direct messaging and scheduling tools

This human touch proves game-changing for transitioning digital chemistry into tangible no strings attached encounters.

Ultimately, Easy Meet and Fuck App’s understanding of modern motivations, hesitations and frameworks around seeking steamy yet satisfying experiences enables hookups at scale unmatched by any platform.

Their solutions translate digital flirtations into real world fulfillment beyond promises — with millions of positive reviews affirming their industry standing.

by Daron Pressley

November 23, 2023

UNWRP And Grand Marnier Collaborate For Tribute To 50 Years Of Hip Hop, With (W)rapping Paper And Creative Cocktails

This is an exciting fusion of art, music, and mixology.

During this holiday season, the tradition of gift-giving embraces a whole new rhythm as UNWRP, a Black-owned gifting company, comes together with Grand Marnier. This collaboration is a celebration that resonates with the 50-year legacy of hip-hop. It marks a groundbreaking union, spearheaded by the creative fusion of artist Teezo Touchdown’s distinctive style and Grand Marnier’s tribute to the rhythmic spirit of hip-hop.

BLACK ENTERPRISE discovered the inspiration behind UNWRP.

Grand Marnier with UNWRP has designed a limited-edition line of (w)rapping paper, paying tribute to hip-hop’s half-century mark. Drawing inspiration from Touchdown’s artistic versatility, this paper becomes a canvas, chronicling the evolution of hip-hop through musical elements.

“UNWRP’s collaboration with Grand Marnier draws inspiration by the unique opportunity to celebrate 50 years of hip hop, the holiday season, and of course, Grand Marnier cocktails,” founder Ashley L. Fouyolle told BE.

The limited edition (w)rapping paper design draws inspiration from Teezo Touchdown’s style and the evolution of hip-hop over the decades.

“It features music-listening devices and players that chronicle how music lovers have listened to hip-hop throughout its history and aims to capture the essence of hip-hop’s journey and the joy of gift giviing during the holiday season. The concept of the ‘Grand Encounter’ is reflected in the collaboration, echoing Grand Marnier’s history of blending unexpected elements, such as fine cognac and bitter orange liqueur, to create something extraordinary,” says Fouyolle.

Beyond visuals, Teezo curates the Grand Margarita holiday cocktail kit for Grand Marnier.

Andrea Sengara, vice president of marketing for Campari U.S., noted in a press release, “Grand Marnier honors blending unexpected elements to create something extraordinary. Grand Marnier is once again honoring our storied history of blending unexpected elements to create something extraordinary.”

The Grand Margarita holiday cocktail kit is not merely a drink; it’s an experience that embodies the fusion of tastes and culture.

“Just like the unexpected encounter of orange liqueur and cognac coming together to create something grand, this collaboration with UNWRP and Teezo Touchdown to create an item that blends hip-hop, the holidays, and cocktails demonstrates the fun you can have when you bring together the unexpected,” shared Sengara. “Grand Marnier’s Grand Encounter speaks to me on many levels. As a former bartender, this collaboration is extra special to me.”

Committed to commemorating the history of hip-hop, Grand Marnier is donating to The Hip Hop Museum, set to open its doors within a housing community in the Bronx in 2025. Funds from Grand Marnier will support the museum’s research and curation of exhibits and collections.

The limited-edition UNWRP (W)rapping Paper + Cocktail Kit is available here.

5 Feel-Good Films To Watch This Thanksgiving

by Kali Wilder

November 23, 2023

5 Feel-Good Films To Watch This Thanksgiving

Nothing tops watching a classic movie as a family. Here are a few feel-good films to revisit with loved ones this Thanksgiving weekend.

Originally published No 21, 2018

I don’t know about you guys, but I could use a little bit of an escape. While the root of Thanksgiving leaves much to be desired, most of us take this time to express our extreme gratitude for the past year, revel in time spent with family, and devour traditional soul food delights. Yes, delights.

However, one of my favorite things to do this time of year is revisit some favorite family films. I love a feel-good film around the holidays. Call it cheesy, but nothing is better than a great scene with folks sitting around a dinner table, confronting and dealing with life’s ups and downs as a family with both tears and laughter.

So, here’s to paying it forward–a few films that can get you in the mood of gratitude for family, friends, and connection.

The Wiz

A real classic! Aside from outstanding performances and amazing costumes, The Wiz continues to hold a special place in our hearts. I mean, the film is all about Dorothy realizing how special home is as she spends the length of the movie trying to get back there.

Soul Food

Mama Joe always said, “One finger won’t make an impact, but you ball all those fingers into a fist, and you can strike a mighty blow. Now, this family has got to be that fist.” She was right.

The Color Purple

No matter where you are in the country, you can find another person who will quote nearly half of The Color Purple along with you. From the dinner table scene to Celie reuniting with Nettie?! The tears, oh the tears.

The Best Man

Sometimes, you can create your own family, which is a blessing we don’t take lightly. Even though there are stumbles in the road, The Best Man shows that friends can be just as important as family.

The Nutty Professor

The Klump dinner table is one that we will never forget because of the food spreads but also the laughs.

RELATED CONTENT: Telfar Launches New Free Holiday Gift Bag Deal

Bryce James Transfers Back To Sierra Canyon

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 22, 2023

Bryce James Transfers Back To Sierra Canyon

The junior left to go play for Notre Dame but has gone back to Sierra

LeBron James’ son, Bryce, left Sierra Canyon last school year and transferred to Notre Dame, only to transfer back to Sierra Canyon this season.

According to Sports Illustrated, the second son of LeBron will be playing for the same high school his older brother, Bronny, graduated from this past summer. Bryce played at Sierra for his first two years in high school and then decided to play at Notre Dame this season but was declared ineligible due to transfer rules. He would not have been able to play for at least half the season, according to rules made by the California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section.

With the rules in place, since Bryce did not play in any games at Notre Dame, he is still good to compete with his old school. The season just began, so Bryce hasn’t missed much in terms of games played. If he had gone to Notre Dame due to a residence change, the eligibility would not have been a factor, and he could have played.

During his first two years, Bryce played on both the junior varsity and varsity teams. The junior played summer basketball with Campbell Hall, Studio City, CA, and competed with the Vikings at Section 7 in Arizona, and from there, he went to Notre Dame.

Meanwhile, Bronny participated in pregame warmups on Nov. 19 before USC beat Brown University by a score of 81-71, according to CBS Sports. Although he did not play and is not expected to play in the next basketball game, he is closer to competing for the team after he suffered a cardiac arrest this past July during a team practice.

While the team awaits his return, they have been playing well with a 3-1 record.

Victor Wembanyama, NBA, Rookie of the Year

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 22, 2023

San Antonio Rookie Victor Wembanyama’s NBA Debut Jersey Sells For Record $762K In Auction

The item was expected to fetch between $80,000 and $120,000

The basketball jersey that San Antonio rookie Victor Wembanyama wore in his NBA debut sold for a staggering $762,000 on Nov. 21.

According to ESPN, the item set a record for the highest-selling game-worn jersey by a rookie. The jersey, which was auctioned by Sotheby’s was expected to fetch between $80,000 and $120,000 but came in more than six times the highest estimate when it was bought for the $762,000 price.

Sotheby’s auctioned off Victor Wembanyama’s game-worn jersey from his NBA debut.

It was expected to sell for between $80k – $120k.

Bidding just closed and it sold for a record-breaking $762,000.

That’s the highest amount ever paid for rookie jersey pic.twitter.com/CnAYC7Xtl2

— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) November 21, 2023

The auction house listed the jersey on its website when it announced the auction.

“This ‘Rookie Debut Game’ jersey was worn in the first game of Victor Wembanyama’s NBA career. It was also the first home game of his career, and additionally he registered his first Slam Dunk in this jersey. Worn on Oct. 25, 2023, when the San Antonio Spurs played the Dallas Mavericks, ‘Wemby’ finished with 15 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 block. The Spur lost to the Mavericks, 126-119. This jersey was worn during the 2nd half of the game,” the description read.

ESPN reported that Sotheby’s stated that this particular auction had 176 people bidding across 14 countries with an average of 24 bids per lot. The San Antonio rookie’s debut jersey lot produced 62 bids alone. The auction house said it was one of the “highest levels of participation for a sports memorabilia auction at Sotheby’s.”

In the same auction, the rookie debut jersey of the player picked right after Wembanyama, the No. 2 overall pick Scoot Henderson, was sold for $19,050. The No. 3 pick, Brandon Miller had his debut jersey bought at a higher price at $27,940.

A month into his rookie season in 2020, the jersey worn by New Orleans Pelicans’ Zion Williamson in his NBA debut sold for $80,040.