50 Cent’s battle with the cognac brand Rémy Martin has ended.

According to TMZ, Sire Spirits, the spirits company owned by 50, has reached a confidential settlement with E. Rémy Martin & Co. The media outlet obtained paperwork signifying that the rivaling companies reached the agreement on June 1, asking the court to keep the details of the settlement under wraps.

In some hip-hop circles, Big Daddy Kane is considered to be a prelude to a young Jay-Z. Both are from Brooklyn, both have flows that are unmatched, and both are known for their lyrical fortitude in their craft. The “Prince of Darkness” has an upcoming documentary on Netflix.

In an exclusive interview with AllHipHop, Kane gave an update on the documentary, “Paragraphs I Manifest.” The project was first announced in 2021 and will feature emcees discussing the impact the Brooklyn hip-hop recording artist dhad on his contemporaries and those who came after him. He is hoping that, with the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, it can be released before the year is out.

“We’re in the editing stages right now,” Big Daddy Kane stated. “And hopefully, we’ll be finished within the next two months. That’s what I’m praying for, you know, because I really feel that it’s important to get this out as Hip-Hop is celebrating 50 years.”

He spoke about vibing with the artists that contributed to the documentary and paying homage to their career evolutions in hip hop.

“The most rewarding part of this experience is hearing different artists’ perspectives,” he said. “To sit with someone like Common, who I respect as a great lyricist and is someone with a unique flow other than the norm and representing a city other than New York, to hear his influences and his thought process, things of that nature. To hear Eminem talk about losing a rap battle. To hear him talking about what motivated him to write a song, who he listened to and studied, stuff like that.”

With the divide between old, new, and the future of hip-hop, he recognized some of the talent that have followed in his footsteps and will carry the mantle of him and others like him who grabbed the microphone as young artists.

“When you see people like J. Cole, Benny The Butcher, Conway The Machine, Kendrick Lamar and Lady London, I have a special respect for that because they’re true to lyricism.”

You can see the hip-hop pioneer in various venues across the country as he is still one of the premier “legacy artists” that pure hip-hop fans want to see perform. He is also slated to be on stage this summer at the second annual Rock The Bells Festival in Queens on August 5.

• News

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

June 15, 2023

BLK Dating App Celebrates Father’s Day With ‘BLK Dad Energy’

---

BLK, the dating and lifestyle app for Black singles, has announced the launch of its Father’s Day campaign, “BLK DAD ENERGY.”

Described as “different kind of #BDE,” BLK is uplifting single fathers in the Black community this year by equipping them with support, resources, and an expert advice series through its digital hub, BLKDadEnergy.com.

This forum will serve as the “epicenter” for Black single dads to connect and learn about navigating parenthood. It will include multiple sections for members to utilize, such as “Girl Dads” for the fathers who want to better their relationships with their daughters, and “Dating Dads,” a segment for how to rebuild Black love in one’s life.

To strengthen the bond between Black dads and their daughters, BLK and relationship expert Marissa Nelson will host a video series dissecting topics that often arise when raising young Black girls and women. To provide the best support and guidance as girls go through certain milestones, such as their first crush, period, and hairstyle, this series will address these subjects head-on to create a safe, informative atmosphere for both parent and child.

In keeping with the theme of fatherhood, BLKDadEnergy has a “Dad Toolbox,” another resource filled with
“tools” to help dads in their day-to-day lives with their kids, instilling wisdom from longtime dads to first-time fathers. The toolbox will encourage fathers to nurture their children’s sense of self-worth and to develop meaningful, healthy relationships.

“By providing a comprehensive digital hub, expert advice, and exclusive Father’s Day cards, we aim to uplift and strengthen the bonds between Black single fathers and their children, fostering love, understanding, and resilience within our community,” Jonathan Kirkland, head of brand and marketing for BLK, said in a press release.

The official release of BLKDadEnergy was Wednesday, June 14, 2023, right in time for Father’s Day weekend.

RELATED CONTENT: 7 Exquisite Liquors To Gift Your King On Father’s Day

• News

by Derek Major

June 15, 2023

Former NYPD Cop Who Sodomized Haitian Immigrant Abner Louima Released From Prison Early

---

The former New York Police Department officer who sodomized Abner Louima in 1997 has been released early from prison after serving 24 years of a 30-year sentence.

Justin Volpe, who pleaded guilty while on trial, was transferred on May 13 from a federal facility in Minnesota, according to the New York Daily News. The News reported that he is now in the Residential Reentry Management Program, which places the formerly incarcerated into halfway houses or allows those still serving time to return home for the remainder of their sentence.

“For privacy, safety, and security reasons we do not discuss any individual inmate’s conditions of confinement, reasons for transfer, or specific release plans,” prison spokesperson Donald Murphy told the Daily News.

In 2021, while Volpe was serving time in a federal facility in Texas, he requested a compassionate release due to the COVID-19 pandemic, telling the judge he’d contracted the virus while incarcerated but received no medical attention. Volpe added mold was growing in the prison. Federal prosecutors, including Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Geddes opposed the move, writing in response that the crimes Volpe committed are among the most horrific in the district and forever changed Louima.

Louima, a Haitian-American immigrant, was arrested the night of August 9, 1997, after he and two other men were involved in a fight between two women at a Brooklyn nightclub. Volpe and other officers responded to the scene. Volpe said Louima attacked him, which he later admitted was a lie.

Louima was charged with several crimes, including resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and obstructing government administration. The officers beat him with police radios, nightsticks, and their fists while transporting Louima back to the 70th precinct.

After they arrived at the station, the officers strip-searched Louima and continued to beat him, culminating in Louima being sodomized and kicked in the testicles by Volpe, who later bragged of what he did to a sergeant.

Police later dropped Loumia off at Coney Island Hospital, saying his injuries were due to abnormal homosexual activities. A nurse at the hospital notified Louima’s family and the NYPD internal affairs unit. Louima suffered severe internal damage to his colon and bladder in the attack and required three major surgeries to repair the damage.

Louima’s injuries led to significant protests by Black Americans in Brooklyn, including at the 70th Precinct. Volpe was later charged with violating Louima’s civil rights, obstruction of justice, and making false statements. Volpe initially pleaded “not guilty” before pleading guilty.

In addition to being sentenced to 30 years without the possibility of parole, he was sentenced to pay more than $270,000 in restitution. Louima filed a civil suit against the city, which was settled for $8.75 million.

RELATD CONTENT: VIDEO: Louisiana State Troopers’ Bodycam Footage Shows Police Brutality That Led to Black Man’s Death

• News

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

June 15, 2023

Increased Use of Vouchers Could Bridge Racial Homeownership Gap

---

New research indicates that increased use of a homeowner voucher program could significantly shrink the racial gap between Black and white home ownership.

The study, conducted by The Urban Institute in partnership with Urban Strategies Inc. (USI) and funded by JPMorgan Chase, found that more Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) could help reduce the racial disparity in homeownership, which is at its highest in 50 years. A key change would let households with an HCV use it for mortgage payments rather than rent.

One major contributor is the disproportionate burden that mortgage costs place on Black potential homebuyers. Inequity in income along with structural racist policies leads to nearly half of all vouchers going to Black non-Hispanic households.

A summary concluded that successful implementation requires collaboration between housing agencies, lenders, and other first-time-homebuyer programs.

Historically, discrimination has caused a disparity in access to home ownership and its benefits. Living in inadequate housing requires more upkeep and paying relatively more in property taxes. Legacies of redlining and current discriminatory lending have also hampered Black households’ efforts to gain access to quality housing.

Key findings of the Urban Institute study include:

• The HCV homeownership program is limited in size and scope.
• The use of homeownership vouchers is higher in places with lower housing costs and lower fair market rent.
• Public housing authorities that use the highest share of vouchers for home ownership tend not to have majority Black non-Hispanic clientele. However, four out of five of the PHAs with the most participants serve majority Black non-Hispanic households in their programs: Philadelphia, Chicago, New Orleans, and Louisville.
• Foreclosures and nonpayment are uncommon.

Strategies that could help close the voucher gap include higher income limits for participants, creation of a distinct class of vouchers earmarked for homeownership, extending the length of subsidy allowed in the HCV homeownership program, and more funding for the lump sum/down payment option.

Founded in 1978, Urban Strategies, Inc. is a national nonprofit leader with extensive experience in implementing results-based human capital development strategies in communities that are undergoing physical revitalization. Visit its website at www.urbanstrategiesinc.org.

The Urban Institute is a nonprofit research organization that provides data and evidence to help advance upward mobility and equity, strengthen decision-making, create inclusive economic growth, and improve the well-being of families and communities.

This news first appeared on prnewswire.com.

The 2023 Songwriters Hall of Fame, which is taking place on June 15, 2023, won’t have the Doggfather, Snoop Dogg, attending this year, although he was scheduled to be inducted.

According to Billboard, the popular entertainer has withdrawn his induction into the Hall of Fame this year “for personal reasons.” He does intend to participate in the 2024 ceremony. Coincidentally, Snoop is not the only one who asked to be inducted at a later time; Sade Adu also withdrew from the 2023 induction.

It was previously reported that hip-hop legend Snoop, jazz songstress Sade, and “New Jack Swing” producer and singer Teddy Riley were among the 2023 inductees into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. They join global icon Gloria Estefan, Electric Light Orchestra’s Jeff Lynne, six-time Grammy-winning songwriter and producer Glen Ballard, and Grammy-winning songwriter Liz Rose for the 2023 induction.

It was reported that Tim Rice will be honored with the Johnny Mercer Award, the organization’s highest honor. Post Malone is slated to receive the Hal David Starlight Award, established “to honor gifted songwriters who are at an apex in their careers and are making a significant impact in the music industry via their original songs,” according to the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Jay-Z, Grandmaster Flash, Roxanne Shanté, Chuck D, Salt N’ Pepa, The Notorious B.I.G., Queen Latifah, and many more will be featured in the most in-depth exhibition of hip-hop currently running. From handwritten lyrics to the earliest gear used to create a hip-hop beat, from moguls to social issues, from East Coast to West Coast and everywhere in between, “Hip Hop at 50: Holla If Ya Hear Me” opens fully to the public on June 29, 2023, at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.

At a time when the world was undergoing massive social and economic changes, beats, rhymes, movement, and art all combined to form what became known to the world as hip-hop, a genre that in its five decades and counting has transformed itself and our culture at large.

“Growing up in New York City music was everywhere! When the reality of the struggle of life brought hell…music brought us heaven!” said rapper and founding member of Run-DMC Darryl McDaniels. He continued, “Rock, funk, soul, reggae, metal, R&B, jazz, and punk became the power that would be the foundation of sound for this new culture we call Hip Hop! I was a little kid with Rock N Roll dreams! Hip Hop allowed my Dream to come true! I’m proud to celebrate this milestone in music history with The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with their new exhibit. After all, I am The King of Rock!!!”

The exhibit will feature never-before-seen personal artifacts from vanguards of the genre, including Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five, Afrika Bambaataa, DJ Kool Herc, Sylvia Robinson, Roxanne Shanté, and The Sugarhill Gang. The handbill from the “All Star Birthday Bash for DJ Kool Herc,” the 1973 house party at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue that gave birth to hip-hop, will be on display along with artifacts such as the release of “Rapper’s Delight”; Kurtis Blow being the first rapper signed to a major label; hip-hop’s national TV debut; and hip-hop’s first rivalry.

“Holla If Ya Hear Me” will continue through “the new school,” featuring key artifacts such as LL Cool J’s first single on Def Jam Records; the first album by a female hip-hop act to go gold and platinum; Salt-N-Pepa’s fly jackets from their “Push It” video; and into the key moments of hip-hop’s social consciousness featuring Public Enemy, Kendrick Lamar, Ice-T, and Queen Latifah; and running concurrently with hardcore rap hallmarks like N.W.A, Wu-Tang Clan, Tupac, The Notorious B.I.G., Lil Kim, and DMX.

Salt-N-Pepa said, “Being the first female hip-hop group to have been certified with both a gold and platinum record was such an accomplishment. Going on to receive multiple platinum records and becoming one of the best-selling hip-hop groups of all time, was more than we could have hoped for. It was a major milestone in hip-hop’s trajectory over the past 50 years and we are so excited to be able to celebrate this important moment in music’s history with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. We are honored to be a part of the new “Holla If Ya Hear Me” exhibit and hope everyone enjoys seeing some of our most iconic and important pieces from our career.”

Public Enemy frontman Chuck D said, “The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has been recognizing hip-hop and its contributions to music since 2007 when it inducted Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. This year, the innovator of it all, DJ Kool Herc, will receive his Musical Influence Award, and Missy Elliott and Rage Against the Machine – two artists who show us all how far the genre can go – will be inducted. I’m honored to be a part of the Rock Hall’s celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, both as a member of Public Enemy and as the co-creator and executive producer of the PBS/BBC docuseries Fight the Power: How Hip Hop Changed the World.”

Bringing the exhibit home is an area focusing on the moguls of hip-hop, with pieces from Jay-Z, the first hip-hop billionaire, as well as Sean “Diddy” Combs, Russell Simmons, and others.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s education team is rolling out a brand-new resource collection to help students explore some of the top hip-hop names and Rock Hall inductees over the past 50 years. All are available for free at rockhall.com/edu.

Technics, the exhibit sponsor, said, “We are thrilled and honored to be a sponsor of ‘Hip Hop at 50’ at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The hip hop community rallied around Technics direct drive turntables during the emergence of the genre and helped catapult our brand into what it is today. We are proud that hip hop has had a large impact on the Technics legacy – there’s no better place to celebrate this than at the Rock Hall,” said Melissa Housel, senior marketing manager at Technics.

Additionally, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop and opening of “Holla If You Hear Me,” the Rock Hall Shop is offering an extensive assortment of licensed merchandise including T-shirts, hoodies, and accessories from some of hip-hop’s most influential artists and brands, as well as exhibit-specific merchandise. New styles will be dropping all summer long at https://shop.rockhall.com.

This news first appeared on blackprwire.com.

• News

by Atiya Jordan

June 15, 2023

Won’t She Do It? Black Women Score Breaking Records In Statehouses

---

More Black women are enjoying a record-breaking herstory of representation in statehouses.

According to the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP), there are 2,412 women state legislators, which represents 32.7% of 7,383 seats. These numbers indicate a notable rise in the representation of women. And Black women, who are determined to bring their prowess to state legislature, have not only smashed records but also maintained the second group to secure the most seats.

Located at New Jersey’s Rutgers University, CAWP has collected data on the women serving in state legislatures according to their race and ethnicity. Statehouses are comprised of 372 Black women; 367 are Democrats, three are Republicans, and two are independents. White women, on the other hand, make up 1,728 seats. In addition, 190 Latinas hold seats in the state legislature as well as 36 Native American women.

In 2022, Black women’s previous record was 368 before the election. Today, we are witnessing the most Black women ever to have served in America’s statehouses, which are still heavily represented by white men.

Kelly Dittmar, director of research and scholar at CAWP, says the increase may be attributed to “self-selection” as well as “recruitment and targeted efforts to encourage these women to run” for office, The 19th News reported.

However, such gains are not evident in all states, including South Carolina. The Palmetto State saw a decline in Black women state legislators when the number went from 13 Democrats to six Democrats and one independent, per the news outlet.

Moreover, Black women are still underrepresented in states where they represent a larger proportion of the population. In Mississippi, for instance, Black women make up just over 19.3% of the population but about 7.4% of the state legislature. A whopping 16.8% of Black women in Louisiana make up about 5.5% of the state legislature.

In 2021, Krystal Leaphart, operations and policy associate for NOBEL Women, opined that the previous ascension of Black women in statehouses was “woefully inadequate,” telling The 19th News that the underrepresentation directly affected “what policy proposals actually advance in areas, including healthcare, the economy, and issues that intersect with social justice.”

In a previous story, BLACK ENTERPRISE reported that Black women hit records as candidates for the U.S. House, U.S. Senate, and governorships in the 2022 midterm elections. There was an all-time high of at least 134 Black women major-party candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives. Of them, 105 were Democrats and 29 were Republicans.

And yet no Black woman has ever been elected governor, and no Black women are serving in the U.S. Senate after Kamala Harris vacated her seat to become vice president. Politico remains hopeful that Democrats have a chance to send more Black women to the Senate in 2024 than have ever served in the chamber in its 234-year history.

Former Sen. Carol Moseley Braun (D-Ill.), the first of only two Black women elected to the Senate, has a challenge for the Democratic Party so that it may avoid the “pitfalls of last cycle.”

“The Democratic Party has got to come to Jesus, if you will, and figure out what they really stand for. They talk about Black women being the base. It’s one thing to talk about somebody being your base and then turn around and not return the favor when Black women are trying to get elected,” she told Politico.

Black women who run for statewide office face unique challenges. They are tainted with the perception that they can’t win or serve Republican states, so they typically run as Democratic candidates. And in addition to the traditional obstacles, such as difficulties in fundraising and gaining support from party leaders, they also contend with persistent racism and sexism. But at least for now, they are gaining in power and influence.

Whoopi Goldberg is looking to return to the game show circuit now that Pat Sajak has announced his retirement from Wheel of Fortune.

She revealed her intentions when Jeopardy! host Ken Jennings appeared on The View on June 13, 2023. When Jennings was asked about Sajak’s recent retirement announcement and who should replace the veteran game show host, Goldberg, 67, tossed her hat into the ring, according to Deadline.

“I want that job,” Goldberg declared.

Jennings suggested “an envelope that says what to do when” Sajak leaves Wheel of Fortune following Jeopardy’s “own succession crisis” when Jennings was among a group of guest hosts after longtime host Alex Trebek died. Jennings was eventually selected as the show’s official host after stars like LeVar Burton expressed their hope to secure the hosting gig.

Joy Behar repeated Goldberg’s desire to get the hosting job while the Ghost and Sister Act star couldn’t contain her enthusiasm for the gig.

“I want that job. I think it would be lots of fun,” she said

Goldberg’s interest in replacing Pat Sajak came one day after the longtime host announced his retirement after 41 seasons as the Wheel of Fortune host. (Sajak’s longtime letter-turning assistant, Vanna White, is apparently not going anywhere.)

“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” Sajak tweeted. “It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all. If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!”

Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last. It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)

— Pat Sajak (@patsajak) June 12, 2023

Sajak isn’t leaving the show entirely. He will continue to serve as a consultant for the next three years, People reports. Goldberg’s desire to replace the affable Sajak isn’t out of left field. The Oscar-winning actress was a producer and sat in the center square on the reboot of Hollywood Squares from 1998 to 2004.

• Environment

by Lauren Nutall

June 15, 2023

The EPA to Allocate $115M To Aid Jackson, Mississippi During Water Crisis

---

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will provide $115 million to support water infrastructure investments in Jackson, Mississippi. This is a huge step in development for the city, which has been without safe drinking water since August 2022 due to neglectful state policies, according to an official statement released by the NAACP. 

In the statement, the NAACP expressed satisfaction with this investment, as the organization has been working with Jackson residents and city leaders for the past year to address the state’s inaction.

“Far too often, governmental leadership has failed to make tangible environmental investments in our communities, resulting in devastating, and sometimes tragic outcomes for Black families,” said NAACP Director of Environmental and Climate Justice, Abre’ Conner. “The announcement of this funding from the EPA makes it clear that the Biden Administration is committed to finding innovative ways to demonstrate what investments in places like Jackson should entail. The fight for clean water is far from over, but today’s news provides a beacon of hope for our future.” 

According to the NAACP’s message, last year, Conner spoke to Congress to offer his expert knowledge of the neglect in Jackson and what such neglect and lack of investment indicates about national and broader infrastructural issues. 

In September 2022, the NACCP filed a Title VI complaint to investigate Mississippi’s discriminatory disbursement of federal funds, which ultimately led to a federal civil rights investigation.

“Let me be clear—there is no racial justice without environmental justice. That’s why the NAACP is overjoyed by today’s announcement from the EPA. The decision to finally invest in Jackson’s infrastructure is a long overdue win made possible by the Association’s tireless advocacy efforts in collaboration with Jackson residents and our allies on the ground,” NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson said. “We thank EPA Administrator Regan and the Biden Administration for stepping up when our state leaders refused to. While this journey is far from over, this investment represents a pivotal step towards clean drinking water for all. It’s a great day to be in Jackson.”

NAACP leaders have continued to track the city’s recovery process alongside Jackson Mayor Chokwe Lumumba and EPA Administrator Michael Regan so that the city’s residents remain aware of the progress and decisions made.

RELATED CONTENT: NAACP President Derrick Johnson Warns Against New Debt Ceiling Bill, Running Water Again Scarce in Jackson, Mississippi After Frigid Weather, NAACP Issues Travel Advisory Warning Black People Against Traveling To Florida