Snoop Dogg, Martha Stewart, Master P, Black business

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 2, 2023

Snoop Dogg Severs Ties With Coffee Company Months After Launch

In March, Snoop Dogg announced his partnership with Michael Riady to launch INDOxyz, “a premium lifestyle coffee brand created for and inspired by the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators.”

Now, reports the New York Post’s Page Six, Snoop is no longer involved in the business.

Sources tell Page Six the company only lasted two months as Snoop left the partnership after the brand’s president Elbert Song informed the board of alleged problems regarding Riady’s management. Snoop supposedly had his legal team investigate the matter before deciding to leave.

“It took 16 days to do their investigation… Snoop and his team left the company, dropping all ownership and stake in the company… and they did not offer a reason,” the source said.

Meanwhile, Song also vacated his position with INDOyxz and told Page Six, “Working with Snoop and his incredible team on the launch of Indo was an amazing experience. I’m disappointed to see that journey end, but am excited to support a new venture, Flowin Coffee with female founder Tamie Tran.”

According to a sourc, Riady has told friends that the dissolution of the partnership with Snoop was due to a disagreement over music. “He’s been saying Snoop left because they disagreed on music for marketing.”

This isn’t the first time this year that the “Doggfather” has walked away from a company he partnered with.

In April, Snoop left the esports company FaZe and his role on the board of directors. After the company did not meet the projected $91 million in sales in 202 by more than $20 million, Snoop, along with many executives involved with FaZe resigned.

Sportico reported that Snoop’s stock in the company was $7.4 million in summer 2022. By the time he left, his earnings were reportedly an estimated $53,184.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 2, 2023

Rick Ross And Funk Flex Throw Shade At DJ Envy’s Fraud Allegations

Rick Ross and Funk Flex have some things to say regarding DJ Envy’s recent allegations of real estate fraud.

Ross began clowning the Breakfast Club co-host while visiting Flex’s Hot 97 radio show on Sept. 28, where he was promoting his new single, “Shaq & Kobe” featuring Meek Mill.

As rumors swirl of DJ Envy’s involvement in the Ponzi scheme, Ross turned up the heat on the record producer by referencing the alleged crimes, as reported by Vibe. The two threw jabs at one another back in May, prompted by Ross’ car show troubles. Both the “Diced Pineapples” rapper and his fellow hip-hop artist have rivalries with DJ Envy, with Flex’s show being a competitor to The Breakfast Club.

However, instead of mocking his hosting abilities, Ross went for the record producer’s allegedly shady dealings in real estate.

“Nah, we ain’t selling fake houses,” said Ross to Flex. “We not gon’ steal no old lady houses. You going to hell for that.”

Flex joined in and referenced Meek Mill’s “Dreamchasers” line to throw additional shade at his rival: “Dreamchasers over here, house chasers over there.”

DJ Envy, real name is RaaShaun Casey, was one of the defendants listed in a lawsuit filed by Anthony Barone and Anthony Martinito against Cesar and Jennifer Pina, who are accused of defrauding the plaintiffs of $1.5 million.

The lawsuit states that Barone and Martinito were inclined to join the venture after being introduced to DJ Envy and hearing of his success flipping homes in New Jersey. However, delayed construction of the redevelopment prompted legal action against the Pinas and their company, Flip 2 Dao, as well as DJ Envy.

DJ Envy remains adamant that he is not directly tied to the Pinas’ project, and is only named in the suit because he is a public figure.

Despite Envy’s claims of innocence, Ross continued in his taunting, alluding on the show that the radio personality is trying to shift the blame on his business partner:

“I heard he just accused his man of taking advantage of him, too. You’re doing the fraud, you’re telling on your man? Damn.”

Envy has requested his name be removed from the suit, one of many the Pinas are battling.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 2, 2023

High-Performance Coach Launches Sacred Journal To Empower Black Men Against Loneliness, Stress, Anxiety And Depression

Originally published on BlackNews.

In a groundbreaking step toward addressing the unique mental health challenges faced by men, particularly Black men, Bertrand Ngampa is proud to introduce The 1% Man: The Ascension Journal. This pioneering journal is not only a powerful tool for personal growth and accountability, but also a beacon of hope for breaking down barriers to mental well-being and achievement.

The Ascension Journal is not just a journal; it’s a comprehensive roadmap designed to uplift and empower men, with a special focus on Black men who often grapple with societal pressures and expectations. This innovative journal stands as a testament to the commitment to fostering mental resilience and celebrating accomplishments within this often-neglected demographic.

A highlight of The Ascension Journal is its emphasis on accountability. Rooted in the belief that every man deserves the chance to thrive, the journal provides the tools and structure needed to track progress and maintain commitment. It includes powerful features like a daily momentum tracker, cultivating habits that pave the way toward becoming the healthiest and most accomplished version of oneself.

One of the most remarkable aspects of The Ascension Journal is the inclusion of nearly $20,000 worth of valuable bonuses. These bonuses are not merely add-ons but integral components of a holistic approach to men’s well-being. Among these bonuses are two 6-week workout plans inspired by Navy Seal Stew Smith, the acclaimed #1 Tactical Fitness Trainer in the US. These plans provide an actionable path toward physical fitness, aligning perfectly with the journal’s goal of nurturing holistic well-being.

The journal also recognizes the significance of mental well-being and self-love. Included are 100 powerful affirmations tailored to combat the negative influences that often pervade society. As the journal understands the importance of inner dialogue, these affirmations are designed to promote a positive self-image.

Moreover, The Ascension Journal acknowledges the struggle many men face with sleep and stress. Through its meticulously crafted content, the journal provides insights into sleep mastery and relaxation techniques. It includes four professionally recorded meditations to combat anxiety, reduce stress, and foster self-connection.

Nutrition and supplements are cornerstones of health, and the Ascension Journal ensures no stone is left unturned. A curated essentials supplements list guides men on the necessary supplements for daily well-being, coupled with advice on where to acquire them.

But The Ascension Journal isn’t just about individual transformation; it’s also about creating a supportive community. With access to the Free 1% Man Facebook group, men gain a platform to share their achievements, challenges, and journey toward growth. This sense of belonging aims to combat the loneliness epidemic often accompanying modern living.

Ultimately, the Ascension Journal is a beacon of change, aimed at combating the troubling trends of loneliness, depression, and suicide in men. This journal takes a significant stride toward reshaping the narrative of men’s mental health by offering a comprehensive toolkit for self-improvement, mental resilience, and accomplishment.

by Ahsan Washington

October 2, 2023

School Supplies Just Got More Lit With These 5 Black-Owned Brands

It used to be that the pickings for school supplies were slim when it came to Black brands. However, that’s no longer the case. As young ones continue to grace the halls of educational institutions, parents and nontraditional students alike will need to have all bases covered when it comes to the essential needs. These items tend to change according to grade, instructor, and individual students. Nonetheless, they are necessities that are a part of academic success. What better than tools that represent Blackness?

There are a plethora of Black brands and companies that cater to the Black student demographic.

Book Bag

How dope is this book bag by Because Of Them We Can? It pays homage to historical Black figures who dedicated their lives to activism and understood Black lives mattered long before it became a popular movement and slogan. The backpack is suitable for all ages and sells for about $50.

Pencils

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A post shared by Persnickety Pencil Co.™ (@persnicketypencilco)

Black Girl Magic pencils are the perfect tool for Black girls to affirm themselves in classrooms where Black girls are targeted at alarming rate.

Crayons

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A post shared by Rosie Herold 📚✌🏽🏳️‍🌈🤖❤️⚛️ (@msrosie_library)

Bellen’s More Than Peach Crayons were created by 12-year-old Bellen Woodward, who recognized the need for flesh-tone crayons that represented the spectrum of Black complexions, a stroke of genius that got her featured in Time.

Pocket Folders

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These pocket folders produced by Creative Soul Photography are rich in color and illustrate Black students. Not only do these sleek organizers reaffirm the importance of education, they also place Black children in that narrative.

Notebooks

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NikNax is a Black-owned stationery company that produces notecards, notepads, greeting cards, you name it. But what caught our eye is the company’s inclusive products. NikNax’s “Left Gang” notebook is especially made for left-handed writers. The notebook opens from the left and its spiral binder is located at the right margin, making it easier for students to navigate the page as lefties.

Diageo Alleges Diddy Demanded Millions, Threatened Racism Accusations For Payout

by Daniel Johnson

October 1, 2023

Diageo Alleges Diddy Demanded Millions, Threatened Racism Accusations For Payout

The case of Sean “Diddy” Combs versus spirits conglomerate Diageo has been full of back-and-forth accusations. In the latest round, Diageo claims Combs allegedly tried to coerce millions out of the company by threatening to call the company racist.

According to Rolling Stone, in response to Combs’ lawsuit alleging mistreatment and discrimination toward his vodka and tequila brands, Diageo has presented a detailed counterargument, asserting that it consistently offered support to DeLeón, which Combs shares with Diageo. Furthermore, Diageo contends that Combs demanded millions of dollars more, threatening to accuse the company of racism if that didn’t happen.

“For example, in May 2021, following Diageo’s public commitment of $100 million to help with COVID recovery for the hospitality sector and underprivileged communities, Mr. Combs demanded that Diageo pay him $100 million and threatened then to ‘reach out to every news outlet’ to ‘burn the house down’ and cause maximum damage to Diageo and the DeLeón brand, by making public accusations [of] racism if Diageo refused to write the check,” the liquor company’s response reads.

Combs’ lawyers deny the accusations and insist the conglomerate failed to support the DeLéon Tequila brand, which harmed its sales.

Furthermore, Diddy claimed that the company did this because it viewed DeLéon as a Black brand, lending the company less support than other brands.

Billboard reported on Sept. 8 that Combs won an early battle against Diageo, forcing the company out of arbitration into a public legal battle. The company claimed Combs was an “unreliable and untrustworthy business partner” who “repeatedly undermined our partnerships and threatened to publicly defame Diageo if we did not meet his unreasonable financial demands.”

As CNBC reported, in 2007, Combs Wines and Spirits began an equal partnership with Diageo to market and promote the vodka brand Ciroc. After this initial success, Diageo agreed to pursue a similar partnership deal regarding the DeLéon tequila brand in 2013. Combs alleges that a Diageo executive, Stephen Rust, informed him in 2019 that it would have received more of a push if Martha Stewart owned his company.

Diageo responded via a statement, “We are disappointed our efforts to resolve this business dispute amicably have been ignored, and that Mr. Combs has chosen to damage a productive and valued partnership. While we respect Mr. Combs as an artist and entrepreneur, his allegations lack merit, and we are confident the facts will show that he has been treated fairly.”

Compared to more popular tequila brands in Diageo’s portfolio, DeLéon only received distribution of 3.3% in retail liquor stores compared to 36% for Don Julio, Combs claims. Casamigos, the most popular tequila brand in America, received enough distribution to account for just under 13% of all tequila sales countrywide.

Combs’ lawyer briefly described what led his client to pursue litigation against Diageo in a statement released on Sept. 29.

“Diageo claims its executives were available to hear all of Mr. Combs’ concerns about race and diversity issues,” John Hueston said. “The sad truth is that they never truly listened to what Mr. Combs was saying and brushed them off as threats and demands for money. If they had actually taken the time to comprehend his concerns and lived up to the agreements they signed, we wouldn’t be in court today.”

by Daniel Johnson

October 1, 2023

Rep. Jamaal Bowman Under Investigation For Allegedly Pulling Fire Alarm Ahead Of Government Shutdown Vote

Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) is under investigation for allegedly pulling a fire alarm ahead of a midnight vote to keep the government from shutting down. As The Hill reports, Bowman is claiming that it was not intentional.

“Today, as I was rushing to make a vote, I came to a door that is usually open for votes but today would not open. I am embarrassed to admit that I activated the fire alarm, mistakenly thinking it would open the door. I regret this and sincerely apologize for any confusion this caused,” Bowman explained in a statement. “But I want to be very clear, this was not me, in any way, trying to delay any vote. It was the exact opposite—I was trying urgently to get to a vote, which I ultimately did and joined my colleagues in a bipartisan effort to keep our government open.”

This is the United States Congress, not a New York City high school. This action warrants expulsion & I’m introducing a resolution to do just that. https://t.co/rfnLDzFHmK

— Office of Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (@RepMalliotakis) September 30, 2023

Republicans, as some might expect, are calling for an investigation into Bowman’s actions. According to The Hill, House Administration Committee Chairman Bryan Steil (R-WI), the committee he chairs has video of the incident. On Twitter/X, the chairman announced that an investigation will be pursued against Bowman. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) told reporters at a press conference that Bowman’s actions reminded him of the Jan. 6 insurrection.

“We watched how people have been treated if they’ve done something wrong in this Capitol. It will be interesting to see how he is treated on what he was trying to obstruct when it came to the American public,” McCarthy said.

Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), a noted adversary of Bowman on political issues, took McCarthy’s concerns to their furthest conclusion, saying, “I’m demanding that the Department of Justice prosecute him using the same way they prosecuted January 6 defendants. It’s the exact same law.”

Rep Jamaal Bowman pulled a fire alarm in Cannon this morning. An investigation into why it was pulled is underway. – Chairman Bryan Steil

— House Admin. Committee GOP (@HouseAdmin) September 30, 2023

Rep. Nicole Mallotakis (R-NY) also used her platform on Twitter/X to figuratively call for Bowman’s head requesting that the senator be expelled from the legislative body they share.

“This is the United States Congress, not a New York City high school,” Malliotakis continued. “To pull the fire alarm to disrupt proceedings when we are trying to draft legislation to AVERT A SHUTDOWN is pathetic…even for members of the socialist squad.”

Rank-and-file Republicans are also parroting the talking points of their leaders on Twitter/X, begging for action against Bowman.

Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez came to the defense of Bowman, and criticized the Republican response to Bowman by juxtaposing Bowman to Rep. George Santos (R-NY), who is being indicted.

https://twitter.com/ChaoticLeftistW/status/1708593384909324613

AOC discussed the panic on CNN‘s State of the Union program, “They (Congressional Republicans) are protecting someone who has not only committed wire fraud, not only defrauded veterans, not only lied to congressional investigators, but is openly gloating about it is absolutely humiliating to the Republican caucus and I think that they should really check their own values.”

Regardless of the pulled fire alarm, however, the government managed to avoid another shutdown as the Representatives voted to approve a bill funding the government. The Senate has until midnight on Oct. 1 to approve it, or the government will be shut down for the first time since it shut down over an argument regarding the funding of Donald Trump’s proposed border wall. That shutdown only lasted a month and the border wall project remained without funds.

20 Locations Of Shaq Big Chicken Franchise To Michigan

by Daniel Johnson

October 1, 2023

20 Locations Of Shaq Big Chicken Franchise To Michigan

Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken restaurant chain has been expanding over the last few years, and it shows no signs of slowing down.

As Franchise Times reported, Big Chicken and H&D Group Investments are partnering to bring 20 franchise locations to several Michigan cities, including Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Lansing.

“Aside from its star-powered backing from Shaquille O’Neal, Big Chicken has a ‘wow’ factor that is rare to come by. I’ve had the privilege of trying a variety of menu offerings at different Big Chicken locations, and both the quality and flavor have been exceptional each time,” said an H&D Group Investments spokesperson. “It was an easy decision to bring the concept to Michigan, and we’re excited to be a part of the brand.”

Afrotech reports that the Michigan expansion follows similar expansions in Texas (where the franchise bloomed), California, Nevada, and Washington, among other markets.

O’Neal brought several franchise locations to the Houston area beginning in June 2023. The grand opening of his first Houston area store located on Westheimer Blvd was so big the fire marshal had to shut it down.

“This is my creation—excuse me, this is my mama’s creation,” O’Neal told the Houston Press. “Coming where we come from, me and this little guy had to eat chicken a lot.”

Shaq laughed and motioned toward his almost seven-foot-tall brother.

“Chicken sandwiches, chicken tacos, chicken everything,” he added. “When the opportunity came to create this franchise, we had a meeting and sold over 250. This is the first to open in Houston. I just wanted people to come out, so I’m paying for everything today. Try it. If you like it, cool. If you don’t let me know why because we want to make this one of the best restaurants out here.”

by Daniel Johnson

October 1, 2023

Tennessee Judge Rules To Dissolve Michael Oher Conservatorship

Judge Kathleen Gomes ruled on Sept. 29 to end the 2004 conservatorship set up for former NFL player Michael Oher by the Tuohy family, all of whom were the focus of the Oscar-winning 2009 film and best-selling book, The Blind Side.

Gomes said after the ruling that she had never seen a conservatorship set up like this one for someone who is not disabled in some manner. As NPR reported, Gomes said the agreement should have been canceled years ago: “I cannot believe it got done.”

Oher filed a lawsuit against the couple who led him to believe that they had adopted him in high school, only to find out that they were allegedly cashing in on his story.

Gomes allowed that separate suit to go forward. Oher is asking for Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy to produce accounting information to show how much they have received under that agreement. Oher alleges that the couple used his name, likeness, and image to make themselves money.

At the center of the suit is the alleged misrepresentation of the agreement as a document that established their adoption of Oher. This misrepresentation caused pain for Oher, he said.

“We’re pleased with the proceedings this morning,” Oher’s lawyer, Don Barrett, told CNN.

As the Associated Press reported, Oher’s suit claimed that “despite the fact that he was over 18 years old and had no diagnosed physical or psychological disabilities,” the conservatorship was still approved by the state of Tennessee. The Tuohys’ lawyer, Martin Singer, previously claimed that Oher’s suit was a shakedown and that the couple viewed it as an attempt to extort the family.

“In reality, the Tuohy opened their home to Mr. Oher, offered him structure, support and, most of all, unconditional love,” Singer told ESPN. “They have consistently treated him like a son and one of their three children. His response was to threaten them, including saying that he would plant a negative story about them in the press unless they paid him $15 million.”

According to CNN, the Tuohys responded to Oher’s lawsuit in a court document forcefully denying Oher’s assertion that they were “enriching themselves at the expense of their Ward [Oher].”

The Tuohys also maintained that they looked at Oher as a son, saying, “they have always acted in the best interest” of the former Baltimore Ravens star. Oher’s suit explains that the Tuohys never really saw Oher as a person, but as a means to an end.

“Where other parents of Michael’s classmates saw Michael simply as a nice kid in need, Conservators Sean Tuohy and Leigh Anne Tuohy saw something else: a gullible young man whose athletic talent could be exploited for their own benefit,” court documents state.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 1, 2023

Man Accused Of Dismembering Fiancée Was Ex-Republican Official In San Francisco

Joseph C. Roberts, who is accused of dismembering his fiancée, law student Rachel Imani Buckner, is also known in local conservative political circles. Roberts was a previously elected Republican official in San Francisco and an advocate for those falsely accused of sexual assault.

A deeper look into his past, as detailed by the San Francisco Standard, shows Roberts being a delegate elected to represent the city’s Republican Party County Central Committee in 2020. Prior to his political endeavors, Roberts also took up the social cause of false sexual assault claims, heralding former Trump-appointed education secretary Betsy DeVos when new Title IX’s regulation upheld due process rights for those accused.

After being accused of sexual assault himself, and subsequently removed form Savannah State University due to the case, he began a campaign on behalf of others “unfairly” punished for claims. On ABC’s Nightline, the Trump supporter, wearing a Make America Great Again hat, spoke of his experience of hitting “rock bottom” due to the whole ordeal, which he said led to a suicide attempt.

The 42-year-old continued on his brigade of conservative ideals after the incident. Embarking on local politics in San Francisco under the slogan, “For God. For Country. For San Francisco,” he spoke of uplifting the police. His victim and former girlfriend, Buckner, was listed as the treasurer for the 2020 campaign.

Roberts was exposed for apparently doctoring images with him and San Francisco’s Mayor London Breed. A former vice chair of the local Republican Party he was part of, Jillian Shannon, admitted that his actions were always “questionable,” as she alleged he made consistent attempts of sexual advances toward her, leading to her resignation.

An GoFundMe hopes to establish a “Life and Legacy” fund on behalf of the slain law student. While Roberts’ motive remains unknown to the public, he has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody at the Santa Rita Jail without the option of posting bail.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 1, 2023

Chipotle Sued By EEOC After Employee’s Hijab Allegedly Snatched by Manager

A Chipotle manager in Kansas is facing a federal lawsuit after being accused of snatching an employee’s hijab off their head. The lawsuit was filed on Sept. 27 by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

The assistant manager allegedly harassed the employee by repeatedly asking her to remove the headscarf, often worn due to religious beliefs held by Muslim women. After the woman refused, she was questioned for several weeks by management. Then, the supervisor proceeded to snatch off her hijab anyway. The “offensive” action, according to the agency’s lawsuit, “created a hostile working environment based on religion.”

“We have a zero tolerance policy for discrimination of any kind and we have terminated the employee in question,” Chipotle said in a statement.

According to the lawsuit, the harassment began when the then 19-year-old began working under the supervisor at the restaurant chain in 2021. Although she notified upper-management of the negative interaction, she claims nothing was done to ensure her safety and the workplace harassment continued.

After he began touching her headscarf and pulling it down, the Muslim woman submitted her two-weeks notice. However, she was allegedly not placed on the work schedule for those two weeks.

The lawsuit wants to ensure that Chipotle guarantees that all employees of any religion have safe policies provided for them, in addition to paying damages to the former employee.

Her harassment claims have ties to Islamophobia, which remains a global issue, as the policing of Muslim women’s hijabs continues to be upheld in countries such as France.

However, the EEOC maintains that religious freedoms and outward display must be respected by employers. Both the victim and assailant’s identities remain undisclosed to the public, but, according to the EEOC, Islamophobic harassment must be addressed in the workplace.