Elevate Your Excellence, Teyana Taylor, Harlem

by Keka Araújo

February 5, 2026

Elevate Your Excellence: Exalting The Renaissance Of Harlem’s Favored Rose, Teyana Taylor

Taylor has navigated moments of industry skepticism to emerge as a singular, undisputed force.

Teyana Taylor’s ascent from the gritty, high-fashion streets of Harlem to the apex of the 2026 awards season is not merely a career trajectory; it is an orchestrated masterclass in creative sovereignty.

Fresh off a Golden Globe win for Best Supporting Actress in Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, Taylor has effectively dismantled the “multihyphenate” label, replacing it with the stature of a bona fide auteur.

With a BAFTA nomination recently added to her burgeoning trophy mantle, Taylor finds herself at the center of a global cinematic reckoning. Critics have lauded her portrayal of Perfidia Beverly Hills as a transformative performance that bridges the gap between her raw New York roots and the sophisticated demands of prestige film.

Born Dec. 10, 1990, Taylor’s journey began under the tutelage of industry titans. By age 15, she was already a foundational force, choreographing for Beyoncé and signing to Pharrell Williams’ Star Trak imprint. While the public first met her through the lens of MTV’s My Super Sweet Sixteen, her internal drive was always geared toward a more substantial legacy.

From her early “Google Me” insolence to her haunting, soulful contributions to Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Taylor has consistently operated at a high level of artistry. Her transition into the GOOD Music era produced the critically acclaimed VII and the Grammy-nominated The Album, solidifying her as a vanguard of contemporary R&B.

In 2026, Taylor is no longer just the muse; she is the architect. Through her production company, The Aunties Inc., she has redefined the visual language of music videos, earning BET’s Video Director of the Year twice. Her upcoming feature directorial debut, Get Lite, for Paramount, marks a pivotal shift from being in front of the lens to commanding the entire frame.

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Responding to an incredible 14 BAFTA nominations for One Battle After Another, Taylor expressed the immense depth of the milestone for her via Instagram, “I’m on this flight in tearssssssss! 14 @bafta nominations for One Battle After Another!!!! My heart is so full.
This film, this family, this journey. None of it is lost on me. Leo, Chase, Sean, Benicio, Regina, our entire cast, crew… Pam, Mike, Sara, Cassandra, WB fam & our beloved Adam. We poured so much love into this work, and to feel it embraced across the world is incredibly humbling. And Paul… our fearless leader! “

The acclaimed multihyphenate continued, “Thank you for your vision, your trust, and the care you poured into every frame. I carry endless love and gratitude for you. To be seen, honored, and supported at every stop along this journey is something I receive with deep humility and gratitude, with all glory to God!”

“Thank you, @bafta, and everyone across the pond for the love, the care, and your devotion to film. Sharing our stories on a global stage like this is a blessing I don’t take lightly or for granted AT ALL! See you in London!”

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Taylor’s influence extends into the mechanical and the aesthetic. She famously holds the record for the fastest-selling sneakers in Adidas Originals history with her 2013 Harlem GLCs, a feat of market dominance that mirrors her current box-office appeal. As she prepares to star opposite Matt Damon and Ben Affleck in Netflix’s The Rip, Taylor’s 888-level work ethic continues to manifest in tangible, record-breaking success.

From the intensive care of her fitness brand “Fade 2 Fit” to her nuanced performances in A Thousand and One and Coming 2 America, Taylor has navigated moments of industry skepticism to emerge as a singular, undisputed force.

With upcoming roles in Ryan Murphy’s All’s Fair and the Netflix thriller Straw, Taylor’s schedule reflects a woman who has successfully integrated every facet of her talent.

She remains the quintessential Harlem success story—a Trinidadian-American baddie who stepped into the spotlight and returned with a crown.

colored school, historic marker, Florida

by Kandiss Edwards

February 5, 2026

Georgia Legislature Banned Phones In Middle Schools, Says High Schools Are Up Next

Under the parameters of the bill, School districts will have the authority to determine how the policy is enforced.

On Jan. 28, the Georgia House proposed a bill to ban the use of cellphones in public high schools.

Legislation to restrict cellphone use in Georgia public high schools has advanced in the state legislature and has been filed with the Georgia General Assembly, according to reporting by WABE.

The proposal, House Bill 1009, would require local school districts to adopt policies limiting student access to personal electronic devices during the instructional day at public high schools. The bill follows earlier legislation that addressed cellphone use in elementary and middle schools, according to the bill language posted on the General Assembly’s website.

According to WABE, House Bill 1009 moved forward after clearing a legislative committee. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Scott Hilton, a Republican from Peachtree Corners. Under the bill’s parameters, School districts will have the authority to determine how the policy is enforced. Rep. Hilton said the bill is popular amongst educators and other education professionals.

“The response we got back was overwhelming from teachers, administrators, and, really, more importantly, parents, who loved the idea and wanted to see us expand it to high school,” Hilton said.

HAPPENING NOW: A subcommittee of the Georgia House Education committee is holding the first hearing on House Bill 1009, which would ban cell phones and other devices in public high schools starting with the 2027-2028 school year. #gapol

Learn more here: https://t.co/jxzbjusJ2D pic.twitter.com/X9xtoAAiUI
— Rahul Bali (@rahulbali) February 2, 2026

The bill’s text states that local boards of education would be responsible for adopting and implementing rules governing the possession and use of personal electronic devices by high school students. The legislation does not specify penalties for violations, leaving enforcement decisions to individual school systems.

During the discussion of the bill, lawmakers raised questions about implementation, including how schools would manage emergencies and extracurricular activities. The article reported that the proposal is part of a broader legislative effort to reduce distractions in classrooms. Hilton says that though there will be bumps in the road, the change will be well worth the initial implementation hassle.

“It’s an adjustment, you know, and at first, it’s like any culture change,” he said. “It’s gonna take an adapting, but the benefits far outweigh the pain of that change,” Hilton said.

House Bill 340 has not yet passed and remains under consideration in the Georgia General Assembly, where it must undergo additional committee review and votes before it can be sent to Gov. Kemp for final consideration. If the bill reaches the governor’s desk, it is likely to pass, as Gov. Kemp did not hesitate to sign a similar middle school device ban into law.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 5, 2026

Rev. Jordan Wells Boycotting Super Bowl Over Bad Bunny Halftime Performance

Rev. Jordan Wells is among the conservatives boycotting the Super Bowl in protest of Bad Bunny's halftime performance.

Rev. Jordan Wells is among the conservatives set to boycott Super Bowl LX over Bad Bunny’s halftime performance.

In a Feb. 2 appearance on TMZ Live, avid Kansas City Chiefs fan Rev. Wells explained that his Super Bowl boycott has nothing to do with his team missing the big game. Instead, Wells joined a growing conservative chorus criticizing the NFL’s choice of Bad Bunny for the halftime show. Especially following the artist’s “ICE Out” comment during the previous night’s Grammys, Wells sees Bad Bunny as proof of a “divisive” agenda he thinks the NFL is supporting, arguing that the singer’s calls for love were overshadowed by a political message he finds inappropriate for the Super Bowl stage.

“When I was growing up, we never even talked about the Super Bowl and politics. It was the one thing as Americans that caused us all to unite,” Wells said. “Whether it was racism or the Civil Rights Movement, it was always the Super Bowl where we weren’t Black, we weren’t white. We weren’t Democrats. We weren’t Republicans. We were American.”

Good morning and Happy Monday to everyone who appreciated Bad Bunny's very real and heartfelt appeal to humanity, "ICE out… We're not savage. We're not aliens. We are humans, and we are Americans."

Looking forward to his halftime show!pic.twitter.com/DZs2lBJkZo
— BrooklynDad_Defiant!☮️ (@mmpadellan) February 2, 2026

According to Wells, Bad Bunny has traded entertainment for activism, using his platform in a way that Wells believes unfairly vilifies those who support U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in the country.

“If you are going to be on a platform that big, like Michael Jackson, like Prince, like the others, they stayed out of politics. You should not be a person who wants to demonize half of the country,” he quipped.

“Americans are tired of celebrities that make $20 million a year telling us that we are bad people because Middle America, Southern American wants secure borders, and we want our immigration enforced. We’re tired of it,” he added.

While the reverend maintains that the football field is no place for political agendas, he fears that selecting Bad Bunny has already made this year’s halftime show more political than it should be.

“I expect this Super Bowl to be the most political Super Bowl we have ever seen, because of who they picked and because of how the NFL has handled that,” he added.

Wells also thinks the NFL is sending a message of support to those who agree with Bad Bunny’s “ICE Out” agenda.

“The NFL is obviously sending a message to half of the country that voted for Trump that ‘We don’t care how you feel. We don’t care what you think,'” he said.

Roger Goodell hears Bad Bunny scream "ICE OUT" at the Grammys, rumors swirl he's planning to rock a dress for LGBTQ icons, knows his music's full of demonic vibes, watched him clown NFL fans on SNL for not speaking Spanish… and STILL insists the Halftime Show will "unite… pic.twitter.com/evvwUHmLdt
— Reverend Jordan Wells (@WellsJorda89710) February 3, 2026

Wells’ criticism stands in direct opposition to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who recently reaffirmed his support for Bad Bunny and praised him as “one of the great artists in the world,” saying he will use the Super Bowl stage to unite viewers.

“Bad Bunny is, and I think that was demonstrated last night, one of the great artists in the world, and that’s one of the reasons we chose him,” Goodell told reporters.

“But the other reason is he understood the platform he was on and that this platform is to use to unite people and to be able to bring people together with their creativity, with their talents, and to be able to use this moment to do that,” he continued. “I think artists in the past have done that. I think Bad Bunny understands that, and I think he’ll have a great performance.”

Homelessness, Los Angeles, homeless, VA, veterans

by Mitti Hicks

February 5, 2026

HHS Announces $100M Investment To Tackle Homelessness And Substance Use

The department is calling the initiative STREETS (Safety Through Recovery, Engagement, and Evidence-based Treatment and Supports). The program is part of President Donald Trump’s new Great American Recovery Initiative.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) says it will invest $100 million to tackle homelessness, combat substance abuse, and improve public safety through treatment-focused recovery programs.

The department is calling the initiative STREETS (Safety Through Recovery, Engagement, and Evidence-based Treatment and Supports). The program is part of President Donald Trump’s new Great American Recovery Initiative. Trump said the initiative will help the government, the healthcare sector, faith communities, and the private sector coordinate more effectively to address the crisis.

STREETS aims to connect people struggling with addiction and homelessness to treatment, housing, and long-term recovery. According to Fox News, the program will provide targeted outreach, psychiatric care, medical stabilization, and crisis intervention.

“Addiction begins in isolation and ends in reconnection,” HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in Monday’s announcement. Kennedy is co-chair of the Great American Recovery Initiative.

He continued, “Thanks to the leadership of President Trump, we are bringing Americans suffering from addiction out of the shadows and back into the community.”

Trump Administration Plans To Partner With Faith-Based Organizations To Combat Homelessness, Crime

The announcement criticized the Biden administration for its “misguided” policies that he claims failed to address the crisis. He said Biden-era polices that prioritized housing first and harm reduction were ineffective and enabled drug use.

“[These polices] were never intended to support people in their recovery to lead productive lives in their communities,” read the press release.

In addition to the $100 million investment, Kennedy announced a $10 million Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) program to support adults with serious mental illnesses. AOT is a civil court-ordered, community-based outpatient mental health treatment program.

According to HHS, these programs have been known to reduce hospitalizations, lower incarceration rates, and homelessness.

While Kennedy did not specify who would lead the AOT program, he stressed that the Trump administration would expand partnerships with faith-based recovery organizations.

“This is a chronic disease, it’s a physical disease, it’s a mental disease, it’s an emotional disease, but above all, it’s a spiritual disease, and we need to recognize that, and faith-based organizations play a critical role, and again, helping people reestablish their connections to community,” said Kennedy.

by Mitti Hicks

February 5, 2026

New York Attorney General Will Send Observers To Monitor Immigration Raids

James's announcement comes as the Trump administration plans to increase immigration enforcement nationwide.

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced a new initiative to send legal observers to monitor immigration enforcement statewide.

Trained personnel will observe and document immigration activity as part of the Legal Observation Project. These legal observers in New York will collect reports of immigration enforcement actions happening throughout the state, serve as neutral witnesses on the ground, and record information that may “inform legal action,” James announced Tuesday.

Her announcement comes as the Trump administration plans to increase immigration enforcement nationwide. It also comes amid public scrutiny and protests happening nationwide after federal immigration agents shot and killed two American citizens in Minneapolis, Renee Good and Alex Pretti. People nationwide have criticized the use of excessive force by immigration officers.

“We have seen in Minnesota how quickly and tragically federal operations can escalate in the absence of transparency and accountability,” said James. “My office is launching the Legal Observation Project to examine federal enforcement activity in New York and whether it remains within the bounds of the law.”

DHS Accuses New York Attorney General of Supporting Sanctuary City Laws

According to the New York Times, Department of Homeland Security Spokesperson, Tricia McLaughlin, accused James of backing sanctuary-city laws that the department said have prohibited cooperation between immigration agents and state and city law enforcement agencies, particularly in jails. The attorney general’s office, however, does not enact these laws. City and county leaders do.

“ICE law enforcement wouldn’t have to be in the field in New York if we had state and local cooperation,” McLaughlin said in a statement. “Letitia James is not letting that happen, which puts New Yorkers in danger.”

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill, especially Democrats, are calling for Trump to scale back his mass deportation operations. They’re also calling for tighter restrictions, such as requiring immigration agents to wear body cameras and mandating that agents show their faces rather than wear masks.

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 4, 2026

Lies Detected: Congress Never Approved ‘Kill Switch’ Law To Remotely Shut Down Vehicles

Essentially, the bill does not give any government control to host remote "kill switches" or permit automakers from giving government access to anyone's car.

This is why everyone should be cautious in what they believe on social media, as Republican leaders spread false rumors that the U.S. Congress passed a “kill switch” legislation that would “remotely” shut vehicles down, Snopes reports.

Rumors spread online in January 2026 that Congress had passed a bill known as the ‘‘Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’’ that would allow the government to shut off cars whenever it pleased. The rumor seemingly started with Texas’s 3rd District Rep. Keith Self, who, on Jan. 22, referred to a vote as “unbelievably disturbing” with claims that “57 House Republicans just joined almost all the Democrats to ensure the government can shut off your car whenever it wants.”

Then, Florida’s Gov. Ron DeSantis jumped in with a repost. “The idea that the federal government would require auto manufacturers to equip cars with a ‘kill switch’ that can be controlled by the government is something you’d expect in Orwell’s 1984, and yet…,” the failed presidential candidate wrote.

The idea that the federal government would require auto manufacturers to equip cars with a “kill switch” that can be controlled by the government is something you’d expect in Orwell’s 1984, and yet… https://t.co/B1KtC5gNbb
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) January 23, 2026

However, that isn’t the case.

What Self and DeSantis were referring to was a failed 2026 plan to stop a signed 2021 bipartisan bill under the Biden-Harris Administration that would require the automotive industry to install technology to identify the effects of drunken driving and “prevent or limit motor vehicle operation” upon detection.

Essentially, the bill does not grant the government control to host remote “kill switches” or permit automakers to give the government access to anyone’s car. But under Section 24220, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is expected to mandate “advanced impaired-driving prevention technology” in all new passenger vehicles.

While some may see the legislation as a way to keep drunk drivers off the road, lawmakers have raised constitutional alarms. According to CBT News, there won’t be a requirement for breathalyzers or law enforcement involvement. Just judgment made by the technology. There is also the issue of drivers overcoming the lockout, as there are no parameters for how drivers will get out of what critics call “kill switch jail.”

The critique was started by fellow Republican lawmaker Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who posted criticism on X. “When your car shuts down because it doesn’t approve of your driving, how will you appeal your roadside conviction?” he wrote Jan. 21.

The looming Orwellian automobile kill switch deadline threatens civil liberties. When your car shuts down because it doesn't approve of your driving, how will you appeal your roadside conviction?

I’ve offered an amendment this week to defund this federal mandate. pic.twitter.com/bhAM9CzSbW
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) January 21, 2026

Ultimately, 57 Republican and 211 Democratic members of Congress voted against Massie’s calls for an amendment to block the drunken-driving detection technology mandate and any federal spending on Section 24220 enforcement.

RELATED CONTENT: Something for Everyone at the L.A. Auto Show

by Kandiss Edwards

February 4, 2026

Poison Is Becoming An ‘Increasingly’ Used Method In Domestic Violence Cases

The intelligence assessment identified at least 16 U.S. cases since 2019 in which individuals were accused or convicted of poisoning spouses, domestic, or romantic partners.

The Department of Homeland Security is warning of an increase in domestic partner poisonings.

DHS said these cases present significant challenges for detection and prosecution because symptoms of poisoning can be delayed or difficult to identify. Due to easy access to information, procuring and administering deadly doses of poison is no longer a difficult act to navigate, according to an internal communication obtained by ABC News.

“Incidents using chemical or biological toxins to harm or kill are driven by several factors including accessibility of online information, ease of obtaining certain chemicals, and perceived difficulty in detection,” the DHS stated.

The introduction of poison as an “increasingly likely’’ method of domestic violence poses a problem for law enforcement. Many toxins are slow-acting and difficult to immediately detect. Additionally, the biological effects of chemicals vary based on the specific components and a person’s biology. Substances cited in the communication include antifreeze, fentanyl, colchicine, thallium, cyanide, and over-the-counter eye drop solutions.

“The use of chemical and biological toxins in domestic violence cases poses a significant challenge for detection and prosecution due to the often subtle and delayed onset of symptoms.”

The intelligence note warns that new methods of investigation and added forensic personnel may be needed to effectively pinpoint intentional poisoning as a cause of death.

“The recurring use of these toxins by domestic partners highlights the need for more awareness, regulation, and forensic expertise to address this trend in domestic partner violence.”

ABC News reported that the intelligence assessment identified at least 16 U.S. cases since 2019 in which individuals were accused or convicted of poisoning spouses, domestic, or romantic partners. DHS said 10 of those cases resulted in death. DHS said the trend has implications for law enforcement and emergency responders, who may need additional training to recognize poisoning-related symptoms in domestic violence cases.

by Ahsan Washington

February 4, 2026

National Girls & Women In Sports Day: Honoring The Black Women Who Changed The Game

Black women transformed the rules, expanded its reach and shaped the future of sports

The annual observance of National Girls & Women in Sports Day coincides with Black History Month to honor Black women who transformed American sports through their excellence and determination. Black women athletes have driven progress in the sports industry through their barrier-breaking efforts in Olympic color integration, professional league redefinition, and expanded access in previously exclusive sports spaces, despite lacking institutional backing or formal recognition. The growing commercial success and cultural significance of women’s sports make it essential to study and celebrate the legacy of trailblazers. Black women transformed the rules, expanded their reach, and shaped the future of sports.

Alice Coachman

Alice Marie Coachman achieved a historic milestone in 1948 by becoming the first Black woman and the first woman worldwide to win Olympic gold in the high jump. Her historic victory set a groundbreaking precedent for Black female athletes competing in international sports. Coachman broke the Olympic record with her amazing 1.68-meter jump despite segregated conditions and restricted access to resources. Her wins and visibility helped advance Black women’s acceptance in top-level sports.

Althea Gibson

Tennis and golf pioneer Althea Gibson became the first African American to win a Grand Slam title at the 1956 French Championships and the first Black woman on the LPGA Tour in 1957-58. Her achievements created opportunities for future tennis and golf stars, including Venus Williams, Serena Williams, and Coco Gauff.

Tidye Pickett

At the 1936 Berlin Olympics, Tidye Ann Pickett became the first African American woman to compete in track and field while establishing herself as a national pioneer in the sport. The worldwide segregation and discrimination of the time persisted, but Pickett’s Olympic appearance broke established initial international barriers for Black female athletes, which led to the emergence of future Tigerbelle stars.

Wilma Rudolph

At the 1960 Rome Olympics, Wilma Rudolph achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first American woman to win three gold medals in track and field. Rudolph’s extraordinary path, from childhood polio survivor to international icon, revealed the outstanding athletic capabilities of Black women. Rudolph’s achievements increased funding and visibility for women’s track programs in the United States while demonstrating the outstanding athletic abilities of Black women.

Laila Edwards

Laila Edwards became the first Black woman to join Team USA’s women’s Olympic ice hockey roster when she was selected as a defender for the U.S. women’s ice hockey team. The historic event will take place at the 2026 Winter Olympics held in Milan-Cortina, Italy. Edwards’ selection represents a crucial advancement in addressing the sport’s enduring racial diversity issues while increasing the visibility of girls of color in winter athletic activities.

Simone Manuel

At the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Simone Manuel became the first Black woman to win an individual Olympic gold medal in swimming when she triumphed in the 100 m freestyle event. Through her historic victory, Manuel challenged racial stereotypes about Black women in competitive swimming and significantly expanded the sport’s demographic representation.

Sheryl Swoopes

Sheryl Swoopes became the first player to sign with the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Swoopes achieved extraordinary success during the WNBA’s 1997 launch and throughout her career, winning several MVP awards and championship titles. Swoopes helped create the WNBA’s athletic credibility and commercial success through her off-court efforts. Swoopes became a cultural icon for women’s basketball while advocating for Black LGBTQ+ athlete representation, which helped expand the sports and increase its inclusivity.

Claressa Shields

In 2012 and 2016, Claressa Shields became the first American woman to win consecutive Olympic boxing gold medals while remaining undefeated in professional boxing. The undisputed champion achieved a historic milestone by uniting four major world titles across three different weight classes. The young fighter started her successful journey in Flint, Michigan, and has maintained her dominance, becoming a professional champion in 2025. Through both Olympic and professional competitions, Shields has achieved global influence beyond the Olympic ring. Through her extraordinary journey, Shields has broken down both gender and racial barriers in boxing to establish new standards of excellence for women in this male-dominated sport.

Trinity Rodman

Trinity Rodman plays as a forward for the Washington Spirit and the U.S. Women’s National Team and has emerged as a soccer sensation. Rodman became the youngest NWSL draftee ever and helped lead her league to championship victory and Team USA to Olympic gold at Paris 2024. Since her 2021 draft, Rodman has obtained record-breaking contracts for the upcoming 2026 season. The extraordinary ascent of Rodman has transformed professional women’s soccer and initiated a push for fairer pay equity in womens sports.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 4, 2026

Pharma Bro Drags RZA Into ‘Once Upon A Time In Shaolin’ Lawsuit

PleasrDAO is suing Martin Shkreli after he allegedly distributed copies of the Wu-Tang Album, 'Once Upon a Time in Shaolin' without permission

The legal drama surrounding the one-copy album of Wu-Tang Clan’s Once Upon a Time in Shaolin has turned another corner, as Martin Shkreli has just sued RZA, the project’s producer.

According to Billboard, the convicted former pharmaceutical executive Martin Shkreli responded to a lawsuit filed by PleasrDAO by naming the producer, Robert Diggs, and blaming RZA for allegedly double-selling the album’s rights. The company, which currently owns the album, filed a lawsuit against Shkreli, alleging that he kept unauthorized copies and distributed them without the company’s permission.

Shkreli stated that the dispute is partly RZA’s fault because he and Wu-Tang producer Cilvaringz (Tarik Azzougarh) improperly sold part of the copyright to Pleasr, even though those same rights were contractually promised to him.

“An immediate, real and justiciable controversy exists between Shkreli, PleasrDAO, and the Wu-Tang defendants with respect to the ownership of this future interest,” Shkreli’s lawyers stated in the suit, calling it a “duplicate sale.”

However, PleasrDAO’s attorney, Steven Cooper, criticized the response and provided a statement to the media outlet.

“Mr. Shkreli’s approach throughout has been to distract and delay with actions that the Court has consistently and strenuously rejected. These counterclaims will meet the same fate.”

PleasrDAO accused Shkreli of misappropriating Once Upon a Time in Shaolin after the convicted felon allegedly admitted on livestreams two years ago that he had made copies of the rare Wu-Tang Clan offering and played the album for his followers. The company is seeking unspecified damages and profits and requesting that Shkreli return the copies of the album he allegedly possesses.

In 2015, Shkreli purchased the one-of-a-kind Wu-Tang Clan album at an auction for $2 million. In 2017, he was arrested and convicted of securities fraud. The government seized the album and other property he owned. In 2021, PleasrDAO reportedly bought the album from the government for $4 million.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 4, 2026

Kim Burrell Says R. Kelly And Diddy Need Forgiveness, ‘Unlearn How To Remember A Bad Thing Over Again’

Kim Burrell explains why she thinks R. Kelly and Diddy deserve forgiveness.

Kim Burrell is facing renewed backlash after urging fans to show grace and forgiveness toward her “brothers,” Sean “Diddy” Combs and R. Kelly.

The NAACP Image Award–winning gospel singer spoke candidly with Baller Alert at the MusiCares Mariah Carey tribute ahead of the Grammys, saying people should “unlearn how to remember” past wrongs and instead extend forgiveness—even toward figures like R. Kelly and Diddy.

“In the world of music, while they’re being stars, people like Diddy and [R] Kelly, who are being stars in front of the world, they may have their details and whatever the news or whatever may reveal,” she said.

Burrell saw Diddy and R. Kelly as her “brothers” before their sex-related criminal charges. As a gospel singer and church pastor, Burrell admits it’s hard to write them off even after their convictions landed them in federal prison.

“They’re my brothers before all of that happens. And I don’t know how to detach from my love for them and waiting for a better day,” she said. “I don’t wish to see any punishment continue, especially when a person has already, you know, dealt with the repercussions thereof.”

Burrell continued. “I’m not the law. I’m just saying that I want people to unlearn how to remember a bad thing over and over and over again. To remember that when they have committed what has been considered bad, maybe they call it bad or somebody else did, they realize that they’re better than that.”

Kim Burrell says we should forgive Diddy & R Kelly… What do you think?? pic.twitter.com/5Tby2RQK3P
— Baller Alert 🚨 (@balleralert) February 2, 2026

The Grammy-nominated gospel singer, who drew controversy in 2017 for a sermon on “the perverted homosexual spirit,” says she has since learned to “not judge how people judge me.”

“And I just want the world to remember that people are remembering they’re bad to live out of it. Who wants to stay in that place all the time? But I’ve learned how to just kind of embrace it all in one big swing and not judge how people judge me,” she said. “You know, I have a new saying, and hopefully others will kind of coin it a bit. It’s: don’t bother hating me because I already love you.”

Burrell’s support for Diddy and R. Kelly comes a few weeks after she released a gospel remix to R. Kelly’s infamous “Trapped in the Closet” musical series.

Now, she’s facing mixed reactions, with many on social media disagreeing with her forgiveness of Diddy and R. Kelly and recalling past controversies over accusations of homophobia.

“This is so typical of Black folks, and especially those in the church,” one X user wrote. “They are so quick to look past and forgive the rapists and pedophiles in the family and community, but then become so quick to damn someone to hell simply for being gay. This has LONG been a fool.”

“So she can have love for convicted pedophiles and sexual abusers but have utter disdain for gay people,” added someone else.