sarcoidosis. Krayzie Bone, Bone Thugs N' Harmony
by Daniel Johnson

September 25, 2023

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony’s Krayzie Bone In Critical Condition After Emergency Surgery For Blood In Lungs

Bone Thugs-N’-Harmony group member Krayzie Bone is reportedly fighting for his life after being rushed to a hospital on Sept. 22 when he started coughing up blood.

The Ohio rapper reportedly had an artery leaking inside one of his lungs. Krayzie Bone’s real name is Anthony Henderson, and according to WION, he suffers from a condition known as sarcoidosis. Henderson’s ailment produces lumpy nodes on his body’s organs, mainly in the lungs. It is unclear whether or not his condition is related to his coughing up blood. 

After an emergency surgery, doctors were unable to get the bleeding under control, and TMZ reported that a source close to Henderson informed them that he was scheduled to have a second procedure that would stop the internal bleeding.

Henderson is on a ventilator after being placed into a medically induced coma. TMZ’s sources say his family is close by his side and are the only ones being allowed to see him because he is in critical condition. 

Bizzy Bone, also a member of Bone Thugs N’ Harmony, has been reposting messages of support on his Instagram using the Instagram Stories feature, and celebrities such as Akon and Ohio native LeBron James have been posting their messages of support on X, formerly Twitter. 

https://twitter.com/KingJames/status/1706141072399950327?t=AA5YByLSLVnucddvQwqa1A&s=19

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony comprises five members: Krayzie, Lazy Bone, Busy Bone, Wish Bone, and Flesh Bone. The group began in 1991 in Cleveland, Ohio, and was signed by the late Easy-E’s Interscope Records label in 1993. They debuted later that year with an EP, Creepin on ah Come Up, which contained a breakout hit, Thuggish Ruggish Bone. In 1995, the group released the album E. 1999 Eternal, with another smash hit, 1st Of Tha Month. The group’s biggest hit, Tha Crossroads, was released in 1999 as a tribute to their mentor and labelmate Easy-E. 

Black Interior Designers Conference Makes Its Mark On The West Coast  
by Stacy Jackson

September 25, 2023

Black Interior Designers Conference Makes Its Mark On The West Coast  

After three years, the Black Interior Designers (BID) conference has returned. Black interior designers were on the scene for the conference held at the 1 Hotel in West Hollywood, California.

Black Interior Designers, Inc., established in 2010, is an international organization for members of the professional Black interior design community. This year marked the organization’s first West Coast event. From September 20 to September 23, designers such as Justina Blakeney, Nikki Chu, Adair Curtis, Carmeon Hamilton, and Brigette Romanek were among the top-tier Black designers at the three-day conference that kicked off with a meet-and-greet. 

The organization is a supportive network that encourages personal and professional growth for members through community and educational resources. 

The event had over 20 speakers present and gave attendees the opportunity to receive mentorship from the best and brightest in the design industry through interviews, networking, and other learning opportunities. The BID conference was created by Keia McSwain, president of Black Interior Designers, Inc. and an award-winning interior designer.

This year’s conference was an all-encompassing event focused on sharing a wealth of knowledge geared toward awakening new ideas and inspiring people who are new to the industry as well as people with years of experience and professional backgrounds in design. 

McSwain and her team coordinated the event and featured some of the greatest talents in interior design across the U.S. The BID conference was established to formulate an experience where attendees would receive information and feel supported and encouraged to pursue their dreams of growing in the industry.

“The mission of the Black Interior Designers conference this year is to inspire, uplift, and create resources and networking. So that designers, both novice, working, and vetted, can all be inspired by the experiences of others,” said McSwain. “So we’re here to produce for these designers, partners and sponsors the reality of what interior design is, what it means for Black interior designers, and how we bring life to the interior design community.”

Her vision is to break barriers in the design industry and enable marginalized communities to take part in interior design.

“It’s no secret at all that minorities have been put at the bottom of the totem pole when it comes to their talent and culture,” McSwain said. “We want to catapult these resources for these designers and put them right before everyone. We want to let consumers and homeowners know that we are truly talented, gifted, and ready to make some homes their total sanctuary.”

A plethora of topics were discussed at the empowering event, such as brand building, virtual design, unlocking social media opportunities, and optimizing kitchen and bath design.

Tory lanez, prison
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 25, 2023

Contrary To Recent Reports, Tory Lanez Prefers To Be Among Other Inmates While Prison

After being found guilty of shooting fellow recording artist Megan Thee Stallion, Tory Lanez is reportedly “scared for his life and safety” due to his celebrity status, but that claim is disputed.

According to the New York Post‘s “Page Six,” the Canadian artist was recently transferred to North Kern State Prison in Delano, California, after being sentenced to 10 years in prison earlier this year.

A source told the Post, “Tory is scared for his life and safety in prison. He feels like he is an instant and direct target because of his celebrity status.”

According to TMZ, one of his attorneys claimed that the artist was in isolation presently but would prefer to be among the general population. However, Ceasar McDowell said his client is not afraid of being around the inmates and doesn’t want to get the special treatment most celebrity prisoners receive. McDowell explained that Lanez feels he can handle himself in that environment.

Lanez’ attorney also stated that people have briefed the artist about what can and does happen in prison, and Lanez feels he can fit in and handle what comes along with it. McDowell also acknowledged more access to programs and resources, which Lanez wants to take advantage of while serving his time.
Lanez, born Daystar Peterson, was convicted in December 2022 for shooting Texas-born rapper Megan Thee Stallion in the foot on July 22, 2020, after a party at Kylie Jenner’s house in California. A jury found Lanez guilty of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and discharging a firearm with gross negligence.
RELATED CONTENT: Tory Lanez Transferred To State Prison Looking Like A Whole Different Man
Alicia Keys, Alicia Teas
by Stacy Jackson

September 25, 2023

Alicia Keys Secures Trademark For ‘Alicia Teas’ Tea Line

Alicia Keys is giving us the tea after filing a new trademark for a line of teas.

The Grammy-winner secured rights to the name “Alicia Teas,” a gift from her producer hubby Swizz Beatz. According to documents obtained by TMZ, the trademark was filed by the singer’s company, AK Worldwide, to secure the name, which is a play on her own name.

In 2020, Swizz surprised Keys with the line of teas during the presentation of gifts for her birthday that year. The rapper was already thinking ahead at the time, imagining that his wife’s teas would make their way into Starbucks for tea drinkers and fans alike to enjoy.

“Everybody in Starbucks all around the world will see Alicia Teas. Happy birthday, baby. Love you,” Swizz wrote on Instagram in 2020, according to Crow River Media.

The “If I Ain’t Got You” singer studied the package that was handed to her by Swizz, and said, “It’s for real. It means that you did this very far in advance,” Contact Music reported.

Taking the next step for her Alicia Teas line marked another exciting milestone for the songwriter this year. In August, the “Girl on Fire” artist announced the official stock of her five bestselling Keys Soulcare products in Ulta Beauty’s “What We Are Loving” section.

The products include skincare favorites such as the VIRAL Let Me Glow Illuminating Serum; Golden Cleanser; Truly Becoming Multi-Benefit Peptide Serum; Original Skin Transformation Cream; and Protect Your Light Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30.

Keys’ lifestyle brand kicked off in 2020 as a collaboration with e.l.f. Beauty, as previously covered by BLACK ENTERPRISE.

 

 

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A post shared by Keys Soulcare (@keyssoulcare)

In March, BE covered the businesswoman’s newly released fashion collection in collaboration with the Italian luxury brand Moncler. The collection was launched as a tribute to the “Empire State of Mind” singer’s New York City roots. The Moncler x Alicia Keys line featured baggy tracksuits, nylon bucket hats, and cropped halter tops in celebration of Keys’ 1990s NYC upbringing.

RELATED CONTENT: Black American Music Association To Honor Alicia Keys, Jimmy Jam And Terry Lewis In Morehouse Ceremony

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 25, 2023

Writers Guild of America Reaches Tentative Deal With Studios After Monthslong Strike

After five months of striking and protesting outside major Hollywood studios, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) members have reached a tentative deal.

The deal was reached on Sunday, Sept. 24, after days of serious negotiations, CNN reports. The exact terms of the deal remain under wraps while the agreement moves toward ratification by WGA members.

The agreement comes just in time, as the nearly five-month-long strike inched close to surpassing a 1988 strike that lasted 154 days.

“What we have won in this contract — most particularly, everything we have gained since May 2nd — is due to the willingness of this membership to exercise its power, to demonstrate its solidarity, to walk side-by-side, to endure the pain and uncertainty of the past 146 days,” the WGA told its 11,000 members in an email on Sunday.

“It is the leverage generated by your strike, in concert with the extraordinary support of our union siblings, that finally brought the companies back to the table to make a deal.”

While the tentative WGA deal does not immediately end the strike, it serves as a path forward to ending the historic hiatus that has put much of Hollywood at a standstill.

“To be clear, no one is to return to work until specifically authorized to by the Guild. We are still on strike until then,” the WGA wrote.

“But we are, as of today, suspending WGA picketing.”

Meanwhile, the actors union SAG-AFTRA remains on a strike that kicked off in mid-July. The union that represents over 160,000 actors could see some hope with WGA reaching a deal after being the first to launch a strike.

Now, with WGA reaching a deal, the Guild is encouraging its members to join the picket line for the actors’ strike this week. It is also praising the new agreement.

“We can say, with great pride, that this deal is exceptional — with meaningful gains and protections for writers in every sector of the membership,” the WGA said.

RELATED CONTENT: Billy Porter Sells Home ‘Because Of The Strikes’ Blasts Hollywood Execs

 

London Police Turn In Firearms After Officer Charged With Murder
by Daniel Johnson

September 25, 2023

London Police Turn In Firearms After Officer Charged With Murder

Following the shooting death of 24-year-old Chris Kaba by a London police marksman, some officers have refused to carry guns while on patrol.

While England, unlike the United States, does not typically give their officers firearms, the agents that do carry guns underwent specialized training to use them while on patrol. As the Associated Press reported, the Metropolitan Police said its officers are concerned that charging the officer with murder “signals a shift in the way the decisions they make in the most challenging circumstances will be judged.” 

Kaba was killed Sept. 5, 2022, after Metropolitan Police chased him in an unmarked car. After the vehicle stopped, Kaba was hit by a bullet fired through the windshield of his Audi as he sat in his car. The officer who killed Kaba was granted provisional bail as he awaits his trial date in 2024.

According to the BBC, on Sept. 23, over 100 officers turned in their issued firearms, which many British social media users called a petulant action, while police from other departments were called in to help patrol. Metro police still had enough firearm capability to patrol effectively, but they still asked the Ministry of Defense to help with counterterrorism should the need arise.

 

https://twitter.com/ukblm/status/1706294671205339640?t=H28-Fh8tSgCfGlgtRzJyNA&s=19

Rosemary Ainslie of the Crown Prosecution Service said that after thoroughly reviewing all the evidence, a murder charge was agreed to for the unidentified officer who killed Kaba. The officer was subsequently suspended from duty and scheduled to appear before the Westminster Magistrate Court on Sept. 21.

Kaba’s death sparked protests and questions about institutional racism within London’s police force. Meanwhile, his family hopes a trial will take place as quickly as possible. The Independent Office for Police Conduct also investigated the incident and found that the shooting happened after a number plate recognition camera identified the plate as one that was linked to a previous firearm incident.

Charging police officers with murder or manslaughter is rare in the United Kingdom. The last officer to be charged with both was Benjamin Monk, in 2021. Monk killed a soccer player by shooting him with a stun gun and kicking him in the head. Monk was acquitted of the murder charge but is serving an eight-year sentence for manslaughter. 

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Oh My God, I’m Dying’ Denver Policeman Fired For Denying First Aid To Teen Gunshot Victim

concert tickets, IRS, resale
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 25, 2023

IRS Will Now Tax Profits From Re-Sold Concert Tickets

The IRS is coming for the profits made from tickets sold at a marked-up price. A new law will tax all ticket resellers who made over $600 from the endeavor.

The IRS is demanding that ticket distribution companies, including Ticketmaster and Stubhub, inform the government of all individuals who profited substantially from the reselling of tickets, as confirmed by Complex. However, what is deemed “substantial” has now significantly decreased, as the original regulation only required taxes to be paid on profits of $20,000 accumulated from 200 or more transactions annually.

This new ruling is part of the American Rescue Plan Act and comes at the heels of skyrocketing resale prices on multiple tours that commenced in the past year, such as Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour and Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. The new stipulation is an effort to regulate ticket scalpers who take advantage of high demand by charging exorbitant prices.

In the announcement, the IRS detailed how ticket resellers making a sizable profit margin must now file a 1099-K form to comply with the new tax law.

“Payment apps and online marketplaces are required to file a Form 1099-K if the gross payments to you for goods and services are over $600,” stated the agency. “The $600 reporting threshold started with tax year 2023. There are no changes to what counts as income or how tax is calculated.”

The news will be a relief to fans, as ticket resellers who have made a livelihood out of obtaining tickets to boost their purchase value will now think twice about its feasibility. The venture itself is quite lucrative: The Wall Street Journal reports that the IRS expects 44 million forms to be issued in regard to newly added taxable income.

As for the ticket distribution companies themselves, President Joe Biden has also been adamant on stopping excessive charges when fans go to purchase tickets, tweeting on Sept. 23 his ongoing plan to stop “junk fees.”

 

RELATED CONTENT: It Feels Good! Raphael Saadiq Announces Tony! Toni! Toné! Tour Dates

Kanye west, bianca censori, Venice, Venetian water taxi
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 25, 2023

Ye And His Wifey Are Offending Italians And Possibly Breaking Law With Bold Fashion Choices

After ruffling feathers in the United States, Ye, formerly Kanye West, is over in Italy keeping that same energy.

The disgraced rap/fashion mogul has been the center of attention in Italy through his bold fashion choices and inappropriate behavior on private boats. Ye’s latest controversy stems from the black face mask he’s been wearing, an apparel item that may go against Italian law.

According to Article 533, introduced in Italy in 1977, anti-terror and public order laws prohibit people from wearing any item that “hampers an individual’s identification.” Doing so could result in a fine of up to 2000 euros, the Daily Mail reports.

The law was designed to combat domestic terrorism by restricting face coverings in public, unless they are for religious reasons with prior authorization. But Kanye, a proud Christian, has never identified with any religious practice that warrants a full face covering.

Recent videos show Kanye donning all black along with a black cloth covering most of his face. The “Stronger” rapper reportedly did not receive approval from local authorities to wear the full face covering.

@dating_vips Kanye West a Milano😍🇮🇹 #kanyewest #milano #rapper #kimkardashian #kanyeomariwest #viral #perte #italia #rap #neiperte #kaynewest #famous #fyp #kanye #italy #milan ♬ Praise God – Kanye West

To add to the controversy, while Kanye is busy breaking laws with his face coverings, his wife, Bianca Censori, is upsetting locals with her revealing outfits. The Yeezy founder was out with his architect wife in Via dei Calzaiuoli, Italy, on Thursday, September 21, when Censori stopped to pose with fans, wearing a tight shiny leotard and high-sheen pantyhose.

The bold fashion choices come weeks after Kanye and Censori upset locals with a boating incident where the rapper was photographed with his bare buttocks out while his wife sat near his lap. The boat company has reportedly banned the couple from riding their vessels; they also might be under investigation.

https://twitter.com/dom_lucre/status/1698830681932226575

With Kim Kardashian out of the picture, Kanye has seemingly found himself a new muse to join him in his antics.

RELATED CONTENT: The Artist Formerly Known As Kanye West Banned From Venetian Water Taxi Company For Naughty Acts With Wife

Deion Sanders, Colorado
by Derek Major

September 25, 2023

Deion Sanders Warns Teams ‘You Better Get Me Right Now’ After Blowout Loss

After a 3-0 start that elevated Colorado football to new heights, the Buffaloes came crashing back to earth Saturday in a 42-6 loss to No. 10 Oregon. Still, head coach Deion Sanders is warning opponents they will only get stronger.

The Buffaloes struggled in its game against Oregon as the Ducks took advantage of the Buffaloes’ inexperience. Additionally, Colorado was missing two-way star Travis Hunter. The Ducks led 13-0 after the first quarter and went into halftime with a 35-0 lead. When Colorado scored a touchdown in the fourth quarter to avoid a shutout, the Ducks blocked the extra point, leaving them at six.

Quarterback Shedeur Sanders went 22-for-39 for 159 yards and one touchdown, and wide receiver Xavier Weaver caught nine passes for 75 yards, but the Buffaloes struggled to move the ball and stop Oregon’s offense from scoring.

After a pregame speech by Oregon Head Coach Dan Lanning in which he took several shots at Colorado and Sanders’ marketing bravado, Prime Time admitted his team was outplayed in his postgame press conference.

“It was a good old-fashioned butt-kicking, no excuses, no nothing,” Sanders said, sporting his trademark sunglasses. “Their coach staff did a heck of a job preparing their team; obviously we didn’t. That was good, that was a really good old-fashioned butt-kicking.”

However, at the end of his presser, Sanders, who is in his first year at Colorado, also let his future opponents know that now is the time to get him and his team, because this is the weakest they will be.

“One thing that I can say honestly and candidly, you better get me right now, this is the worst we’re going to be, you better get me right now, ’cause I like what I see,” Sanders said. “I know I have on shades, but I can see the future, and it looks really good.”

Sanders and his team, who fell out of the AP Top 25 with the loss, will get no breaks as they face No. 8 ranked USC on Saturday, Sept. 30, at noon EST.

RELATED CONTENT: Colorado Sells Out of Season Tickets For First Time As Deion Sanders Brings Swag To Boulder

 

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 25, 2023

Jonathan Majors Seems To Hint At Marriage After Calling Meagan Good ‘The Missus’

Jonathan Majors might be ready to put a ring on Meagan Good, if he hasn’t already, after referring to his actress girlfriend as “the missus.”

On Sept. 23, 2023, the Creed III star joined Good, 42, at the Congressional Black Caucus’ eighth annual Black and White Gala, which she co-hosted with Larenz Tate, People reports. In a video shared online, Majors, 36, is seen supporting his leading lady after she greeted the crowd.

“We’re just so happy to be here with y’all tonight, celebrating us, celebrating the moves we’re making, celebrating the way we love and support each other, the way that we shift the world. Let’s enjoy ourselves!” Good says in the clip.

“So many beautiful Black faces. I love us, y’all! We are so beautiful! That’s all I got. I’m just happy to be here and I love y’all!” she said before turning it over to Majors and asking, “Babe, you want to say anything?”

“Y’all heard the missus, so that’s what it is,” he said.

https://twitter.com/agojie_/status/1705950948865057177?s=46&t=3D7wlb4z2ZfClL-c3LXqpA

It was a bold statement from Majors since confirming their relationship in May amid his high-profile assault case with an ex-girlfriend. Good has remained by Majors’ side as he battles it out in court with Grace Jabbari, an ex who accused him of physically assaulting her while riding in a New York taxi in March.

Majors was arrested and charged with misdemeanor assault, aggravated harassment, attempted assault, and harassment after he allegedly “[struck the victim] about the face with an open hand, causing substantial pain and a laceration behind her ear.”

However, according to Majors’ attorney Priya Chaudhry, her client “completely denies assaulting the woman” and in fact claims to be the actual victim. The trial has yet to begin, after it was rescheduled on September 15.

Meanwhile, Good finalized her divorce from DeVon Franklin in June 2022 after nine years of marriage.

RELATED CONTENT: Jonathan Majors And Meagan Good Hold Hands At Court Appearance For His Domestic Violence Case

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