AT&T Partners With Silicon Harlem To Open A Unique New Digital Learning Lab

by Mary Spiller

July 7, 2023

AT&T Partners With Silicon Harlem To Open A Unique New Digital Learning Lab

AT&T has partnered with Silicon Harlem and the New York Urban League to open an innovative digital learning lab. According to a CBS New York report, the lab, which opened June 20, was designed to introduce marginalized young children to tech industry careers.

The Silicon Harlem digital learning lab, located in New York City’s Harlem, is a one-of-a-kind lab in the city and the first major usage of the company’s $2 billion commitment to the program. Lessons offered by the lab include coding, augmented reality, and basic technology skills. The lab also has its own drone and a team of “Drone Cadets” on hand to teach kids how to fly it.

Silicon Harlem’s ultimate mission is to diversify the tech industry. All the technology lessons offered at the lab serve the purpose of providing access to a different world of lucrative career options to those who might not consider them due to the tech industry’s insularity.

New York Urban League President and CEO Arva Rice said at the grand opening of the lab, “We want to change that, and that’s the reason you all are here: because we want to make sure that when it’s time for you all to apply for those jobs, that you’ll be the first person to get them.’

AT&T also pledged money to the Affordable Connectivity Program, which offers discounts to families who need them. The AT&T Atlantic region’s president told CBS New York, “It’s a really big game changer, and frankly, there’s not enough New Yorkers who are eligible for the program who have signed up, so we really want to get people to do that.”

AT&T is in the process of opening more learning labs in New York, with four having successfully opened over the past year.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 6, 2023

Judge Tosses 50 Cent’s $32M Malpractice Lawsuit That Stems From Rick Ross Feud

50 Cent just got hit with the final blow in his failed feud with Rick Ross which took $7 million and led to his past bankruptcy filing.

On June 30, 2023, U.S. District Judge Vanessa Bryant ruled in favor of a bankruptcy court’s decision to dismiss 50 Cent’s $32 million lawsuit against his former law firm, Reed Smith, and its former partner Peter Raymond, Finurah reports.

50, real name Curtis Jackson, sued the law firm, accusing them of legal malpractice that contributed to his losing $7 million in a trial with Ross’s ex-girlfriend Lastonia Leviston. The rapper was sued by Leviston after 50 Cent posted a sex tape of her as part of his ongoing feud with Ross.

Reed Smith was representing 50 but was fired in March 2015, four months before he went to trial and was ordered to pay $7 million in damages to Leviston. After the verdict, 50 filed for bankruptcy in Connecticut but Reed Smith filed a claim seeking over $609,000 in unpaid attorney fees.

The “In Da Club” rapper responded by filing a legal malpractice claim. He accused the law firm of having an uninformed legal strategy and a conflict of interest that contributed to his trial loss. 50 sought $7 million in actual damages and $25 million in punitive damages from the firm.

However, 50’s claims were dismissed twice by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Ann Nevins in March 2019 and June 2021. The Power creator unsuccessfully appealed the rulings with Bryant in New Haven, Connecticut.

According to Bryant, 50 Cent failed to offer enough evidence that proves the alleged conflict of interest by Reed Smith impacted his case or caused his loss at trial.

50 Cent has continued to flourish in the wake of his trial loss and bankruptcy filing. Power remains a favorite on Starz and the rapper inked a broadcast deal with Fox earlier this year, according to The Hollywood Reporter, and struck a NHL partnership just last month.

With a net worth listed at $40 million, the G-Unit rapper isn’t hurting from the trial loss.

by Sharelle B. McNair

July 6, 2023

Jason Derulo Cleans Up Nicely With Car Wash Investment Valued at $2 Billion

International pop star Jason Derulo is hoping to step out of the spotlight thanks to a lucrative investment.

The “Talk Dirty” singer recently appeared on the YouTube show Forbes Talks, where he discussed his rise to fame in the music industry and on TikTok. The viral sensation then went on to talk about his success in the not-so-popular car wash lane with a company called Rocket Carwash. “Rocket Carwash is basically changing the way that people get their cars washed,” Derulo said. “So it’s an amazing facility, you know? You go in, and you pay a membership, and you can get your car washed at any time.” Rocket currently has locations in Nebraska, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, and California.

Derulo acknowledged that the car wash business isn’t the sexiest industry to get into, but it may be a very smart move. Finurah reports the global car wash services market is valued at a little over $29 billion and continues to rise. From now through 2030, the value is expected to grow at an annual rate of 3.1%. Derulo claims his own business is worth $2 billion.

Derulo likened the car wash business to Netflix or Spotify. “It is a very unsexy business, but it is a monster. It is like the Spotify model and how Spotify changed the music industry,” the songwriter said. “It is Netflix and how Netflix changed the film industry…If I can get my car washed at any time for a very low, low price, I mean, it beats any other car wash out there, especially it being better than the other ones as well.”

Derulo is familiar with the investment space. According to the BBC, he has invested in numerous successful businesses including the BBC’s Project Icon reality show, the boxing firm Rumble Boxing, and Catch LA, a luxury restaurant.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 6, 2023

Barry Jenkins Shocked By ‘Underground Railroad’ Being Used As July 4th Fodder

The director of The Underground Railroad series is reacting to Amazon Prime Video’s suggesting the show as a way to “get in the Fourth of July spirit.”

Academy Award-winning director Barry Jenkins sounded off on Twitter on July 3 after taking notice of how his Golden Globe-winning show was promoted ahead of Independence Day. In a since-deleted tweet captured by Complex, Jenkins shared a screenshot showing his show’s description as “Prime Get in the Fourth of July Spirit.”

Jenkins was taken aback by the wording, considering his series follows the secret routes that escaped slaves used on their quest for freedom. Plus, the subject matter he covered has nothing to do with America’s independence on the 4th of July.

“Clearly this is some algorithm madness,” jenkins tweeted, “Though Homer WOULD be the one to use here… so there’s that).”

Others agreed and questioned Amazon Prime’s intention in the show description.

“This actually feels like an appropriate way to mark the birth of this nation,” one user quipped.

“The Underground Railroad x How to Blow Up a Pipeline Cocktail may be just what America needs this July 4th,” another user sarcastically added.

“So this is @amazon chiming in on the critical race theory discourse, right?” asked someone else.

https://twitter.com/thumbelulu/status/1675910991518007296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1675910991518007296%7Ctwgr%5E65c99c1915c610194591bb8f9b8f652049fbaec8%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.complex.com%2Fpop-culture%2Fa%2Fmarkelibert%2Fthe-underground-railroad-director-amazon-prime-july-4th

Jenkins had a few of the responses listed under his “liked” tweets, with one user saying he’d seen the series listed under “iconic eras.”

The Underground Railroad x How to Blow Up a Pipeline Cocktail may be just what America needs this July 4th https://t.co/0ExnoW1aYl

— wes thee director (@wes_andre97) July 4, 2023

I’ve also seen it categorized with ‘Iconic eras’

— Kyle Brazzel (@KyleBrazzel) July 4, 2023

The Underground Railroad, which premiered on Prime Video in May 2021, is based on Colson Whitehead’s 2016 novel of the same name. It follows the journey of Cora, a young woman who discovers the secret network that helped dozens of enslaved people like herself escape the Deep South to freedom in the North.

Jenkins’ series won the Golden Globe Award for Best Miniseries or Television Film, the BAFTA for Best International Programme, and a Peabody Award. It was also nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series.

by Sharelle B. McNair

July 6, 2023

Issa Rae Strikes Netflix Gold With Licensing Deal For 5 Seasons Of ‘Insecure’

Netflix just added a classic show to its impressive catalog from our favorite, Issa Rae.

The Insecure saga is making its way to the streaming platform thanks to a deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, Shadow & Act reports. Fans can now watch all five seasons of the popular original HBO series that wrapped up in 2021. Some other shows headed to Netflix include Ballers, starring Dwayne Johnson, Band of Brothers, Six Feet Under, and The Pacific.

Rae took a break from promoting the upcoming blockbuster hit, Barbie, and reposted the announcement on her Instagram Story. She shared a short video of the show playing with a “Now playing Netflix” graphic. Insecure’s showrunner, Prentice Penny, retweeted Netflix’s announcement with the simple caption saying, “Enjoy, y’all.”

Enjoy, y’all. https://t.co/plYIRV1RE7

— Prentice Penny (FUX YO BLUE CHECK) (@The_A_Prentice) July 3, 2023

This is a rare move from HBO as the network doesn’t issue licenses of its original shows to companies outside of its own partners. The Hollywood Reporter reports Sex and the City was sold in syndication to TBS and then to other basic cable networks later. HBO licensed other popular series like The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, Deadwood, and The Wire to Amazon when Richard Plepler was the CEO before HBO started its own streaming platform.

The deal will give a new, fresh look to different audiences who may not be familiar with Rae’s works. It will also help Warner Bros. Discovery from a financial standpoint. The network has been looking for ways to cut costs, like issuing layoffs and removing some content from the Max platform, previously known as HBO Max. They also wanted to cancel numerous projects on TBS, like the movie Batgirl, which recently got the green light.

Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zazlav is hoping the idea of licensing content will increase profits.

YouTube Star Colleen Ballinger Dragged For Performing Beyonce’s ‘Single Ladies’ In Blackface

by Sharelle B. McNair

July 6, 2023

YouTube Star Colleen Ballinger Dragged For Performing Beyonce’s ‘Single Ladies’ In Blackface

The past is catching up with YouTube comedian Colleen Ballinger.

After being accused of grooming underage fans, the YouTuber is now being accused of racism after a video of her singing Beyoncé’s hit single “Single Ladies” in blackface has resurfaced, TMZ reports. The timing of the video is currently unclear; however, as fans investigate, they believe it was between 2017 and 2018. Comments left under the unlisted clip reveal the video was an exclusive sneak peek for fans who purchased Ballinger’s book, My Diarrhe.

Ballinger is seen in a black leotard, with what looks like white underwear underneath, singing off-key to the song. Her face appears to have paint smeared on it that some speculate is green, while awkwardly dancing barefoot onstage with two backup singers.

Another social media influencer, Paige Christie, posted the video and wrote in the caption, “I’m gonna need someone to explain the black on her face …” Spectators said regardless of what color the paint seen on her face is, it’s still inappropriate.

Known for her viral character Miranda Sings, this isn’t the first time Ballinger has been caught in racist firestorms. According to NBC News, text messages reappeared where the YouTuber made fun of a Black actor auditioning for her 2016 Netflix show, Haters Back Off, allegedly asking, “WHERE IS HE?” in referencing the man’s very dark skin being bad for lighting.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Miranda Sings star apologized after a video of her and her sister pretending to be Latinx women resurfaced. She claimed she erased the video because she didn’t want anyone to get hurt. “It is not funny, and it is completely hurtful. I am so ashamed and embarrassed that I ever thought this was okay,” Ballinger said after the video reappeared. “I was a sheltered teenager who was stupid and ignorant and clearly extremely culturally insensitive.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 6, 2023

The Recording Academy Sets The Record Straight On Grammy Nominations And AI-Generated Songs

The Recording Academy (the parent company responsible for the Grammy Awards) has announced how it will handle recent technological developments in the music industry, specifically artificial intelligence (AI).

To clarify how this latest change will affect winners of future Grammy Awards, Recording Academy CEO and President Harvey Mason Jr. spoke to The Associated Press.

After releasing a notification that “only human creators” would be given the music industry’s highest honor, the Recording Academy stated, “A work that contains no human authorship is not eligible in any category.”

“Here’s the super easy headline statement: AI or music that contains AI-created elements is absolutely eligible for entry and for consideration for Grammy nomination. Period,” Mason told the Associated Press. “What’s not going to happen is we are not going to give a Grammy or Grammy nomination to the AI portion.”

A song can utilize the technology and win in a songwriting category, but it won’t be eligible in a performance category.

“Conversely, if a song was sung by an actual human in the studio, and they did all the performing, but AI wrote the lyric or the track, the song would not be eligible in a composition or a songwriting category,” Mason added.

The Recording Academy has been involved in extensive research to ensure it is well-versed in artificial intelligence since it’s been the talk of the industry recently. Many music, television, and film artists have been speaking against AI, believing it breaches people’s intellectual property.

Mason said the academy has had discussions with the right entities to make proper decisions.

“I’ve met with the copyright office. We’ve talked about the future and what that looks like on a federal level and the legislative level,” Mason said. He also remarked that the conversations surrounding artificial intelligence “really came to a head in the last six months.”

He said he anticipates songs incorporating the technology. There is a possibility that some songs that use AI will vie for a Grammy nomination.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 6, 2023

Nelly Closes $50M Deal Reportedly Selling Off Half Of His Music Catalog

St. Louis-bred recording artist Nelly has agreed to sell portions of his extensive music catalog.

According to Variety, Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., who uses Nelly as a stage name, has partnered with HarbourView Equity Partners, which has purchased half of the music he has recorded.

In a written statement, Nelly said, “As artists, we put our heart and soul into each track, and there comes a time when you consider preservation of that artistry. My music is my legacy which I want to last beyond me, continuing to make my existing fans happy while reaching new generations and new audiences. I am excited to partner with Harbourview to create opportunities for discovery of my music decades from now.”

TMZ reported that the deal is worth $50 million, with the artist giving up 50% ownership over his whole catalog.

Harbourview Equity Partners is an asset management company founded by Sherrese Clarke Soares.

“This catalog has made an incredible impact on generations of fans,” Soares said. Works such as, ‘Hot in Herre’ and ‘Shake Ya Tailfeather’ defined an era of music of a unique blend of hip-hop, R&B, and country music that is undeniable. We are thrilled to add these influential pieces to our repertoire and work with the team to continue supporting the artistry within our ecosystem.”

Nelly has created many chart-topping hits and has won three Grammy Awards and three American Music Awards. He is still performing and has recently released his eighth album, Heartland. Unlike his previous ones, this new album is country-inspired.

The business world has been extremely kind to Nelly, but he’s also winning in the romance department. Ten years after breaking up with fellow recording artist Ashanti, with whom he had a serious romance between 2003 and 2013, the two have reportedly gotten back together to give love another chance.

New Jersey Judge Under Investigation For Lip-Synching Rihanna, Nas, And Busta Rhymes Lyrics On TikTok

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 6, 2023

New Jersey Judge Under Investigation For Lip-Synching Rihanna, Nas, And Busta Rhymes Lyrics On TikTok

A New Jersey judge is under investigation for the 40 or so TikTok videos he posted lip-syncing rap lyrics with “graphic sexual references” and “racist terms.”

Superior Court Judge Gary N. Wilcox is the subject of a complaint submitted to the state’s Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct accusing him of using an alias to create a TikTok account and post various videos deemed controversial, CBS News reports.

In the videos, Wilcox can be seen lip-syncing along to popular songs, sometimes while at work or while wearing judicial robes.

The judge reportedly posted the videos between April 2021 and March 2023; 11 of the videos are deemed “inappropriate and brought disrepute to the Judiciary,” the complaint claimed. Using the pseudonym “Sal Tortorella,” Wilcox mouthed lyrics to Rihanna’s “Jump,” Busta Rhymes’ “Touch It,” and other songs with “profanity, graphic sexual references to female and male body parts, and/or racist terms,” the complaint states.

“All my life, I’ve been waiting for somebody to whoop my a**. I mean business!” Wilcox raps in one video shot inside his chambers. “You think you can run up on me and whip my monkey a**?”

One video shows Wilcox walking through the courthouse while wearing a Beavis and Butthead T-shirt as “Get Down” by Nas plays in the background. Other videos show the judge “wearing his judicial clothes and/or partially dressed while lying in bed,” the complaint alleges.

Wilcox attended Harvard Law School and has been practicing law in New Jersey since 1989, NBC News reports. The Bergen County judge has lawyered up, hiring attorney Robert B. Hille, who announced plans to respond to the complaint on Wednesday, July 5, 2023.

“I don’t think that at the end of the day anybody is going to believe there was any desire to do any harm here,” Hille said. “Hindsight is 20-20.”

Wilcox’s TikTok account has since been removed after the judge allegedly celebrated reaching 100 followers.

Tabitha Brown, Target, Vegan, Food, Essence, Testify

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 6, 2023

Tabitha Brown Shares Teary-Eyed Testimony After Target Partnership Announcement

Tabitha Brown had a whole testimony to share after announcing her permanent food collection with Target at Essence Festival!

The multifaceted Tab Time host was in New Orleans on Saturday, July 1, 2023, for the Essence Festival of Culture where she hit the stage to spread some love and light and announce the permanent return of her best-selling vegan food collection at Target.

Following the success of her limited collection that was released in January, Brown was proud to announce the collection will be available year-round starting in 2024.

“Thank y’all for supporting me and going to Target to buy all of the things,” Brown told the audience.

“Honey, y’all sold that food out so fast…But next year, it’s gonna be in there all year-long.”

After making the big announcement, Brown took to her Instagram page to share a video reflecting on how much her life has changed in the last six years since she went vegan. The “Feeding The Soul” author expressed her gratitude for how God brought her through depression, sickness, and financial hardship.

“I didn’t know if I was coming or going, and I also didn’t know if I was going to live or die,” Brown shared. “I felt stuck, and I was desperate to be made whole.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tabitha Brown (@iamtabithabrown)

She noted how much her life has changed in the last six years, “in a way that I could never imagine,” and closed her testimony by encouraging her followers not to give up hope because God always delivers.

“If He did it for me, He will and can do it for you,” Brown declared.

“Six years ago, I didn’t have no money. I didn’t have a career. I didn’t have health. I didn’t even have a strong mental capacity to see the light, yet He pulled me out of it and here I am.”