by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 29, 2023

Beefing with Jay-Z Cost Fat Joe A Reebok Deal

Fat Joe has been around long enough to be able to teach others about past mistakes that have cost him money. He has several and revealed another one recently while speaking to Rap Radar’s B-Dot and Elliot Wilson last week.

According to HipHopDX, Fat Joe relayed that the feuds he had back in 2004 hurt him financially because of who he was beefing with. Coincidentally, the two dynamic figures in hip-hop with whom he was feuding were Brooklyn’s Jay-Z and Queens’ 50 Cent. He is now under the Jay-Z management arm of Roc Nation and 50 Cent just brought him on stage at a recent hip-hop 50th celebration at Yankee Stadium.

There’s no bad blood now between his former foes, but he told B-Dot and Elliot of the misfortune of having a beef that led to him losing a sneaker deal from Reebok.

“I learned the hard way, I never complained and I never said it publicly but you know I had beef with 50 Cent and Jay-Z,” Joe remarked. “The two most f**king powerful dudes in the world. Reebok was gonna give me a sneaker deal and they [were like], ‘Oh you have beef with Jay-Z and 50 Cent,’ Jordan too, ‘We can’t give you the deal.’ You know how much money, sh** was like an embargo.”

Last year, in an excerpt from his book, The Book of Jose, he also revealed his beef with 50 Cent amounted to him losing a Nike deal with his good friend, Michael Jordan.

Joe talked about him gearing up to have his own Jordan Brand collection, Fat Joe Jordan. After a confrontation with 50 Cent and G-Unit at the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards, Jordan had a conversation with the Bronx-bred rapper that was not the call Joe wanted to get.

Jordan was reportedly on the phone with Joe and told him that the shoe deal—which Joe stated was worth $20 million—was off the table because of what transpired on live TV.

“YOU KNOW I LOVE YOU, BIG JOE, BUT YOU’RE TOO HOT RIGHT NOW,” JORDAN REPORTEDLY TOLD THE ENTERTAINER.

“I wanted to do it, but I’m not into all that rap beef. With all this controversy, we can’t do the sneaker anymore,” Jordan added.

Two beefs, two reneged deals. Luckily, the ways of Fat Joe have changed and he is doing much better and has great relationships with his peers these days.

HBCUs tighten security, florida gunman, Dollar general, HBCU

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 29, 2023

Details Emerge Around Florida Gunman’s Botched Visit To HBCU

More developments have been shared regarding a white Florida gunman’s presence at a local HBCU minutes before opening fire at a Dollar General in what is being treated as a hate crime toward Black people.

Ryan Christopher Palmeter parked at Florida’s oldest HBCU, Edward Waters University, and was spotted by students as he put on gloves and a military vest. After the students notified security, Palmeter was confronted, asked for identification, and drove off. However, a crisis was not averted as the 21-year-old took the lives of three individuals down the road in the predominately Black community.

According to U.S. News, Edward Waters University President A. Zachary Faison Jr. told news outlets about the events on campus. In light of the unfortunate shooting, an increase in campus security is also getting support from Gov. Ron DeSantis, who pledged $1 million to the effort. The controversial governor also has stated that a $100K donation will be allocated to the victims’ families through a charity.

While Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters assured the public that the school was unlikely the target of Palmeter’s deadly action, heightened awareness for the student body’s safety is of high priority to the elected leader.

Despite his condemnation of the gunman’s racially motivated shooting, DeSantis is also making headlines for his opposition to Black history being taught in public schools, a policy mandate by which HBCUs in Florida are affected.

DeSantis was also booed at a prayer vigil for the victims as he spoke at the event. Critics of the governor’s words say that his divisive rhetoric is also partly to blame, fueling the fire for racists to feel empowered to commit egregious acts. While DeSantis remains committed to focusing on security efforts, others call for his accountability for the hate crimes in the Sunshine State.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 29, 2023

16-Year-Old HBCU Grad Makes History As Youngest Full-Time Teacher

Shania Shakura Muhammad is making history in the field of education. The 16-year-old earned numerous degrees and is the youngest full-time teacher in the U.S.

According to Afrotech, the young achiever earned her Bachelor’s degree with honors two years ago from Oklahoma Community College and Langston University, an HBCU. She continued her academic pursuits to obtain two more degrees in specialties such as child development. This background led her to pursue her already groundbreaking career in teaching.

Upon accomplishing her most recent academic milestone, the HBCU graduate announced that her journey would not have been paved without the support of her family,

“My dad was my coach, supporter, teacher, guide, and everything else he needed to be to ensure my success. I am grateful for everything that has gotten me where I am today. This shows it’s very much possible, and the only limits you have is the ones you set for yourself.”

The straight-A student’s father, Elijah Muhammad, announced via Facebook that his daughter’s standing as a salaried teacher at 16 makes her the youngest ever in the country to do so. After attending a two-year program for educational training through the Thurgood Marshall Foundation, Muhammad received the necessary credentials to be offered the position to teach third graders in her hometown of Oklahoma City.

“But Beyond Her Long Resume and Professional Accolades, She Has A True Desire and Passion For Teaching,” shared the proud dad on Facebook.” I’m Super Proud Of My Daughter For Being Bold And Brave and Stepping Out On Her Faith and Into Her Purpose and Not Allowing Peoples Opinions Of Her To Dictate The Reality of Her Dreams and Passions.”

While Muhammad is already a trailblazer in her own right, the teen educator is still not done reaching new heights. She also revealed on Facebook that she is matriculating through an MBA program, having already started and holding a 4.0 GPA. And on trend, she is the youngest Black graduate to do so as well.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 29, 2023

Stylist To The Stars Jason Bolden Launches Affordable Luxury Collection At JCPenney

Celebrity stylist Jason Bolden has a new limited-time collection with JCPenney that combines everyday luxury with affordability for people of all sizes.

On Monday, August 28, the major retailer announced its partnership with Bolden, who will reimagine collections for JCPenney’s private brands J. Ferrar and Worthington. Available in-store and online beginning Sept. 7, J. Ferrar x Jason Bolden and Worthington x Jason Bolden feature a variety of affordable tailored pieces made for every size, shape, and body.

Designed by the same stylist behind some of Michael B. Jordan, Dwyane Wade, and Vanessa Hudgens‘ standout red carpet looks, the collection aims for a seamless transition from daytime leisure to evening chic.

“I want to give everyone a space and an opportunity to express themselves and feel like they have moments where they can walk through the world with impact,” Bolden said.

“I think that’s what’s important about this collaboration with JCPenney.”

The J. Ferrar x Bolden collection offers modern suiting, trendsetting separates, and tailored outerwear, in sizes S-5XL and 30×32 to 38×32. The Worthington x Bolden collection takes women from work to weekend and day to night with polished knitwear sets, timeless outerwear, and menswear-inspired ensembles available in sizes XS-3X and 2-24W.

“Whether you’re dressing for the everyday or your own spotlight moment, these collections continue to represent JCPenney’s belief that fashion belongs to everybody with the perfect fit, trend-right styles, and affordable price every time,” JCPenney Chief Merchandising Officer Michelle Wlazlo said.

“It’s been truly amazing working with Jason on these collections. You can see his creativity, keen eye, and sense of style in every piece and I’m so proud of this first-ever stylist collaboration for JCPenney.”

Fans celebrated the new partnership when Bolden and JCPenney shared their big announcement on Instagram.

“Coming soon! The exclusive collaboration with @jasonbolden, the celebrity stylist known for his fresh red-carpet looks. Shop the collection on Sept. 7,” the post read.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by JCPenney (@jcpenney)

“I love Jason and I’m all about Worthington? What a fantastic collaboration!” one fan wrote.

“Not you about to have me in JCPenney,” added someone else.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 29, 2023

Tristan Thompson’s Ex, Jordan Craig, Makes Moves To Secure $40k In Child Support

Despite Tristan Thompson’s dwindling NBA salary, his ex, Jordan Craig, wants to ensure her $40,000 monthly child support payments stay the same.

The NBA star has been shelling out a hefty amount of child support to his three baby mamas. According to Daily Mail, Thompson pays upwards of $120K a month for his four children, consisting of 6-year-old son Prince, shared with Craig; daughter True, 5, and son Tatum, 1, whom he shares with his ex Khloé Kardashian; and son Theo, 1, whom he welcomed via a shocking paternity scandal with Maralee Nichols.

Craig has been getting a big chunk of Thompson’s monthly child support with the $40K a month she’s received from the rotating NBA player. But despite Thompson’s salary dropping from $17.7 million in 2019 to the $9.2 million he’s currently making while playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, Craig is demanding that her child support payments go untouched.

On Aug. 9, Craig filed an abstract of judgment in Los Angeles that creates a public record of her $40K-a-month child support if the payments stop being honored. Craig and Thompson dated for two years before he moved on with Khloé in 2016.

Craig was reportedly pregnant when Thompson started publicly dating the reality star. He remained off-and-on with Khloéoverf five years until his paternity scandal with Maralee Nichols ended their relationship.

Khloé and Tristan were in the middle of a surrogacy pregnancy when news of his love child with Maralee hit the press. “The Kardashians” star welcomed her son in July 2022 and has been co-parenting with Thompson since their split in December 2021 when Maralee welcomed their son, Theo.

The NBA champion was forced to own up to cheating on Khloé and fathering a child after a paternity test determined he was the father of baby Theo. During their monthslong paternity battle, Nichols claimed Thompson allegedly offered her $75,000 in exchange for her silence.

Now he’s paying triple digits for his trio of baby mamas as his NBA salary takes a hit.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 29, 2023

Rico Nasty Names Wiz Khalifa As The Inspiration Behind Her Cannabis Line

Rico Nasty is going full steam ahead with the cannabis line she launched after being inspired by fellow rapper Wiz Khalifa.

In May, the “Rage” rapper announced the launch of her weed strain, “Road Rage.” A sativa she created for creatives who work long hours.

Rico, 26, celebrated the launch with a pop-up event ahead of the strain making its way to store shelves.

https://twitter.com/Rico_nastyy/status/1655662099140587520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1655662099140587520%7Ctwgr%5E58a0a6d573f097701254c5ec46491b3a09d5e66c%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fafrotech.com%2Frico-nasty-music-entrepreneurship-and-philanthropy

The cannabis industry was always one Rico Nasty aimed to embark on once she built a brand for herself. After watching one of her favorite rappers rise in popularity out of his love for marijuana, Rico knew the opportunities were endless.

“I always knew that weed was a money maker because I saw how Wiz Khalifa branded it and I was like, ‘Okay, this is insane,’” she told AfroTech.

“This is like the modernized Snoop Dogg, and it takes time to do that.”

The “Trust Issues” rapper was on tour with Playboi Carti in 2021 when she dipped into her herbology bag and started mixing genes of cannabis to develop her own strain.

“I was trying to make sure it wasn’t no huff,” she jokingly said of the experience.

The rapper remained very hands-on with designing the packaging for her strain and selecting the most fitting name for her debut cannabis line. The two-year process taught the D.C. native the importance of patience when working toward a goal.

“The branding for that taught me a lot about patience and not rushing things just because you want it really badly,” Rico said.

“Weed is very tricky. It’s really a science to it, and if you don’t get it right, you wind up wasting so much money.”

Now, Rico has her weed strain sold in dispensaries throughout Los Angeles and Northern California and has a five-year plan to expand to Southern California, Portland, New York, and her hometown, Washington, D.C.

by Derek Major

August 29, 2023

Study Shows Almost Half of Athletes Diagnosed With CTE Died Before Age 30

A new study shows that 40% of youth, high school, and college athletes diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) died before 30.

The study was conducted by the Boston University CTE Center, which examined 152 brains that were donated, 62 of which were diagnosed with the condition. The donors died between 2008 and 2022, and their ages at the time of death ranged from 13 to 29.

According to the university, the study is the largest case of athletes who died young. The study was published this week in JAMA Neurology.

“The fact that over 40% of young contact and collision sport athletes in the UNITE brain bank have CTE is remarkable, considering that studies of community brain banks show that fewer than 1% of the general population has CTE,” Dr. Ann McKee, lead author on the study and director of the BU CTE Center told ESPN.

“The findings emphasize that “not all contact sport athletes with symptoms have CTE.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, CTE is a brain disorder in which repeated blows to the head cause the death of nerve cells in the brain. The disorder currently can only be diagnosed posthumously.

The most common cause of death among the athletes studied was suicide, although research showed no relationship between the cause of death and the presence of the condition. Additionally, there wasn’t a significant difference in symptoms between those diagnosed with the disorder and those who weren’t. Symptoms such as depression and apathy were reported in nearly 70% of the athletes in the study, despite 59% of the brains studied not having CTE.

The majority of the athletes in the study were football players, and a small number played hockey and soccer. The scientists in the study also diagnosed the disorder in the first American female athlete, an anonymous 28-year soccer player, showing an emerging trend of female athletes being diagnosed with the disorder,

Notable NFL players diagnosed with CTE include Junior Seau, Jovan Belcher, Ken Stabler, and Andre Waters. The brain disorder was discovered by Dr. Bennet Omalu.

by Sharelle B. McNair

August 29, 2023

The Black Community’s True Feelings About DeSantis Explode During Jacksonville Vigil

Florida’s Black community has had it with Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Following the tragic shooting at a Jacksonville Dollar General, some Black people living in the state are opening up about how DeSantis’ policies have opened the floodgates for racism, NBC News reports. DeSantis made an unscheduled appearance during a prayer vigil on Aug. 27 in the Grand Park neighborhood, and many attendees weren’t pleased.

Met with “boos,” Jacksonville City Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman (D-FL) had to step in to quiet them down; however, Pittman made it clear in a CNN interview that she silenced the crowd because the vigil wasn’t about him, it was about the victims. “That vigil was not about the governor,” Pittman said. “My concern was about the families. It was not a political ploy for me and my community…it was focusing on the families that was there and the hatred that came to their community.”

“I wanted him to sit down.” Jacksonville Councilwoman reveals Ron DeSantis was not supposed to speak at Jacksonville vigil that got him booed off the stage. (Video: CNN) pic.twitter.com/tSf4mz1ang

— Mike Sington (@MikeSington) August 28, 2023

During his speech, DeSantis called the gunman a “scumbag,” but local pastor Jeffrey Rumlin, who spoke directly after, redirected his ideology. “At the end of the day, respectfully, governor, he was not a scumbag,” Rumlin said. “He was a racist.”

Vigil attendees were not shy about voicing how they felt about him to the presidential candidate. “You’re not welcome here,” one person shouted, while another said, “Your policies caused this,” according to NPR.

DeSantis has mandated numerous policies against African Americans in the state, including erasing DEI initiatives, downplaying African American history courses, and redrawing maps erasing northern Florida’s only Black-performing congressional seat—including the city of Jacksonville. His policies led to a travel ban issued by the NAACP in May 2023.

State legislators like Sen. Shevrin Jones, a Black Democrat representing Miami, say his policies are the root of racially motivated events like the one that took the lives of three innocent people. “How much can we allow the governor to keep his foot on our neck and not say anything?” Jones said. “This is the result of that stuff. It’s not only the result, but it gives individuals who committed this act a hall pass to make it seem like it’s OK.”

girl, McDonald‘s, Liggon, sauce, maryland

by Sharelle B. McNair

August 29, 2023

16-Year-Old Black Girl Fatally Stabbed Over McDonald’s Dipping Sauces

A family of a 16-year-old girl is mourning and looking for answers. CBS News reports that Naima Liggon was stabbed to death in Washington, D.C., by another teenage girl over McDonald’s sauces.

Police say both teens—Waldorf, Maryland, natives—ordered food on Aug. 27 at the fast-food restaurant and got in a car together. Liggon and the other teen got into a disagreement over the sauces received with their order, leading to the stabbing.

Liggon was brought to a local hospital, where she died.

The other teen, who hasn’t been identified, was later taken into custody on second-degree murder charges while armed. The weapon was on her at the time of her arrest.

Liggon’s family released a statement over the horrific incident, acknowledging that they will never get to see their loved one during different life milestones. “The impact of this senseless loss has affected our family, our friends, and our community,” the statement read. “Naima will never see her prom or her graduation. We will not get to see her graduate from college or get married or have kids.”

The victim was a Thomas Stone High School student in Waldorf, where she would have started another school year on Aug. 28. Principal Shanif Pearl called Liggon’s death “heartbreaking” in a statement released to the Thomas Stone community. “This is a heartbreaking and tragic time for our school community,” Pearl said.

“This is not the news a principal ever wants to share, let alone the day before we start a new school year.”

The McDonald’s where the crime happened is located at the corner of U Street, a popular area for nightlife, and is open 24 hours, according to NBC4 Washington—bars in that area close around 2 a.m. Police reports show the teen was stabbed around 2:10 a.m. Liggon’s death was just shy of a new curfew for people aged 16 and younger set to start on Sept. 1. The curfew is set for 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. on weeknights and midnight to 6 a.m. on the weekends.

by Sharelle B. McNair

August 29, 2023

HBCU Campus Officer Who Confronted Dollar General Gunman Doesn’t Thinks He’s A Hero

The racially motivated tragedy at a Jacksonville, Florida, Dollar General almost started at an HBCU.

Before killing three innocent Black people at the store on Aug. 26, shooter Ryan Palmeter headed to Edward Waters University, an HBCU, to commit his crimes. However, that didn’t happen, thanks to campus officer Lt. Antonio Bailey, NBC News reports.

Bailey said the campus was normal until a car full of students approached him, saying they were concerned about a white man seen in the faculty and staff parking lot. The students saw Palmeter wearing a bulletproof vest, gloves, and a mask. During a press conference, Bailey says he didn’t hesitate and approached the shooter.

“What are you doing here? Something’s wrong,” Bailey said he recalled thinking. As Palmeter saw Bailey, he sped off, jumping a curb, and left the campus “at a high rate of speed.”

Edward Waters President A. Zachery Faison Jr. called Bailey a “hero” for saving nearly 1,200 students on campus, but the officer said he doesn’t look at it that way.

“I’m no hero,” Bailey said. “If anything, it’s the students who alerted me so I could do my job.”

Bailey, who has worked for the school for 18 months, immediately alerted a Jacksonville sheriff and gave Palmeter’s license plate. Unfortunately, Bailey learned about the Dollar General shootings shortly after that. Alerting the authorities is following campus protocol, which restricts Bailey from following a suspect to a certain point, but he wishes he could’ve done more.

“We have outstanding protocols,” he said. “But I wish I had more authority to detain and pursue.”

The gunman was specifically targeting Black people, according to CNN. Jacksonville Sheriff T. K. Waters said Palmeter used racial slurs and left behind letters to his parents, the media, and federal agents describing his “disgusting ideology of hate.”

“This shooting was racially motivated, and he hated Black people,” Waters said during a press conference.

Faison said the students are having a hard time coping with what could have happened on campus and the shooting that occurred just blocks away.

“There’s a high level of apprehension,” he said. However, the school is providing counseling to those in need.