Controversy continues to follow Ye.

This time, a recent You Tube clip shows scenes from a few of Ye’s Donda recording sessions and other footage before the album’s 2021 release. Toward the end of the clip, Ye is seen walking around in a locker room, speaking on the phone.

During the conversation, he explicitly states that if Jay-Z and any other artists don’t show up to his listening party, he will remove their verses from the project.

“Everybody that’s not here, I’m taking they verses off. So I’m taking Jay-Z verse off, I’m taking—there’s anybody not here, unfortunately, they’re not on this version.” He then turns to the camera and says, “How do you even describe these kind of conversations bro?”

Well, Jay-Z did not attend the event in Atlanta at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in July 2021, but his vocals were left intact on the track he performed, “Jail.” Yet, Ye did keep his promise with several other artists after “Donda” was released, and some of them realized that they were no longer on the album.

Chris Brown, Pusha T, and Kid Cudi saw their verses deleted from their respective songs. Brown let his feelings be known on social media and Soulja Boy went on an infamous rant, leading to a temporary beef between the artists. When Ye appeared in the Drink Champs episode that has since been deleted due to Ye’s antisemitic statements, he explained why he took Soulja Boy off the album.

It wasn’t because he didn’t attend his listening event in Atlanta; Ye simply stated that his verse wasn’t good.

Kanye says that he took Soulja Boy off of Donda cause his verse was bad pic.twitter.com/QiMAwnq7Uh

— Club Ambition (@ClubAmbition__) November 5, 2021

The two recording artists eventually made up after Ye texted Soulja Boy and apologized for not informing that he was removed from the album.

• News

by Sharelle B. McNair

June 8, 2023

Black Man Shot In The Mouth By Mississippi Deputy To File Federal Civil Rights Lawsuit Against Sheriff’s Department

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Two Black men are preparing to file a federal civil rights lawsuit against a Mississippi sheriff’s department, accusing it of a pattern of excessive force against Black people, Associated Press reports.

Attorneys for Michael Corey Jenkins, who was shot in the mouth, and Eddie Terrell Parker identified the deputy in question for the first time as Hunter Elward. Jenkins initially said he didn’t know the name of the Mississippi officer who shot him; Parker later recognized his picture after seeing it online.

The men are seeking $400 million in compensatory and punitive damages, as attorney Malik Shabazz said he will file 22 claims of federal civil rights violations in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi.

“If there ever were a case where punitive damages needed to be levied against police officers, this is the case,” Shabazz said in a press release. “This incredible, nasty, violent ordeal exposes that Rankin County deputies and the Department have had a long pattern and practice of deadly excessive force and hate crimes against its African American citizens.”

The incident occurred on Jan. 24 when six white Rankin County deputies allegedly entered Parker’s house and handcuffed and beat him and Jenkins. The men claim they were repeatedly shocked with stun guns and forced to lie on their backs as the deputies poured milk over their faces. Parker and Jenkins also claim the officers attempted to assault them with a sex toy found in the home, which led to one cop placing a gun in Jenkins’ mouth and firing. Jenkins spent several weeks in the hospital, according to WJTV 12.

Shabazz compared the assault to Tyre Nichols’ death, which occurred in Memphis and shocked the nation earlier this year.

“Michael would be dead like [Tyre] Nichols had he not have been lucky enough to survive this near deadly attack by 6 white Rankin County Deputies,” Shabazz said.

The deputies, who had no body camera footage, said that the raid took place due to a report of drug activity. Both Parker and Jenkins were charged with possession and other charges.

AP reported the same county sheriff’s department has been involved in at least four violent encounters with Black men in Mississippi since 2019.

Wellness can mean celebrating life in a section of a South African club, according to the creators of a global wellness retreat for Black women.

Iana Edwards and Kasondra McConnell facilitate luxurious wellness retreats for Black women to connect around the world.

McConnell, an entrepreneur and one half of Paradise + Vibe’s founding team, said per The News & Observer, that most people have a certain idea of wellness. Doing things like running, meditating, and eating healthy is wellness for many. However, McConnell and Edwards give a different perspective on wellness.

She said, “With us pushing connection as a central point of wellness, that’s not something you think about. Instead, most people say, ‘I need to eat healthy, I need to run, I need to meditate for hours a day.’ However, we at Paradise + Vibe don’t believe it.”

McConnell continued, “Instead, we think you should do those things because they bring a certain level of stillness, mindfulness, and joy. But also, let’s have some fun.”

“We went to South Africa for New Year’s and didn’t want to sit around meditating all day, so we thought it’d be cool to be a section at a club and celebrate. That’s a big part of life, celebration.”

A fun time in your clubbing heels is not the only thing Edwards and McConnell offer at Paradise + Vibe. Themed retreats in exotic locations around the world consist of physical activities like yoga and hiking. Guided meditation and wellness workshops help Black women connect their spirituality and everyday life. Wellness workshop topics include manifesting and journaling to help you create the life you want, strategies to manage stress, striking a work-life balance, nutrition, and more, according to Paradise + Vibe’s website.

Edwards, a certified yoga and meditation instructor, said per Essence, “How Kasondra [McConnell] and I approached the mind, body, spirit connection is just helping you pull the things already in you that may be latent out of you.”

Paradise + Vibe hosted a retreat in Bali this year in May. Upcoming retreats include Tulum in October 2023 and Brazil in February 2024.

BLACK ENTERPRISE hosted the 2023 Disruptor Summit in Atlanta. The three-day event . This year, BE had the honor to interview leading business giants, including Slutty Vegan’s Pinky Cole, Kaleidoscope Hair’s CEO Jesseca Dupart and more. With each session, participating entrepreneurs listened as these business leaders shared gems on how to build a million-dollar business, improve one’s social media presence and most importantly, how to disrupt.

Here are some words of wisdom from this year’s panelists.

Pinky Cole

“I learned that everybody has the ability to have that potential. You just got to surround yourself with the right people. You got to be in a household that’s going to foster you and encourage you and give you the knowledge and information you got to be around dreamers because it ain’t enough to be around people that just want to sit around all day and watch you dream. Okay, you got to be around people that want to grow and build with you. We all got the gift. Being a disruptor is a gift. That’s our calling, that’s our purpose.”

Jesseca Dupont 

“You have a better chance at huge success when you do the thing that you really are scared to do versus the thing that looks comfortable because everybody else has done it. I’d rather go on an unexplored lane than go on a lane that everybody’s been traveling on.” 

Jomaree Pinkard

“Entrepreneurship disruptions are not necessarily stagnant. It’s actually a journey. It’s a mindset. There’s ebbs and flows, there’s peaks and valleys, and more importantly, there’s uncertainty around every corner, and that you have to really get really comfortable in your skin with those unknowns,”

Ashley Rudder

“We talk about different platforms and different things all the time but the real space that you’re wanting to occupy and own is between someone’s ears. How do you do something that is going to resonate and have true authenticity not only for you but people can see themselves? It’s not only about our own voice but how do we create a space where people can relate, people can see themselves within you. And then that’s when you really have something magical.”

BLACK ENTERPRISE’s Disruptor Summit has not only provided networking opportunities and resources but also, valuable gems. To listen to the full playlist of panels and sessions, visit us here. 

RELATED CONTENT: Black Enterprise to Disrupt Atlanta With New Disruptor Summit Sponsored By Nationwide

• Lifestyle

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 8, 2023

John Legend Joins Underrepresented Creators To Co-Design Home and Living Collection For Etsy

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John Legend is adding home design to his list of ventures after teaming up with a group of female, Black and underrepresented Etsy makers for an exclusive home and living collection.

On Tuesday, June 6 the EGOT recipient launched a limited-edition decor and lifestyle collection he co-created with an inspiring group of Etsy shops run by women, Black, and underrepresented sellers. Inspired by Legend’s own home and interior style, the collection was made to add warmth and character to any space.

Pieces include earth-toned ceramics and planters, woven baskets and vases, textured throw pillows, chic pet accessories, and a sleek oak wood record storage unit that perfectly represents the John Legend brand.

“It’s important for me to fill my home with high quality pieces made by people who approach their craft with intention,” Legend said.

“Each item in this collection was made with joy in partnership with makers who inspire me, and I hope these special pieces make you feel right at home.”

The celebrated musician and entrepreneur is known for his advocacy work for marginalized communities and made it a priority to work with diverse underrepresented Etsy sellers, which included two Gullah basket weavers who are part of the Etsy Uplift Makers Program. The Gullah technique of basket weaving is an ancient technique dating back to the 1700s when enslaved rice farmers first brought the art form to South Carolina.

“I love Etsy because it gives a platform to so many creative and diverse makers, who pour their heart and soul into their work,” Legend said.

“Getting to collaborate with these talented artists was such a special experience, because the finished products tell a story about the people who made them.”

The “Glory” singer has more home and living pieces coming our way including his Holiday collection that will serve as his second Etsy Creator Collab launch. Take a look at the full collection list below and shop the collab collection HERE.

• Art Print, BorianaM, $55 – $550*
• Linen Bomber Jacket, NgoBolingo, $149
• Ceramic Mug, CharlottesCeramicArt, $64.90*
• Ceramic Coasters, CharlottesCeramicArt, $55.82*
• Woven Baskets, CHSSweetgrass, $500 – $2,000
• Pet Bowl, CharlottesCeramicArt, $60.36 – $64.90
• Throw Pillows, TownsendRoweHome, $100 – $120*
• Pet Beds, LayloPets, $75 – $115
• Oak Vinyl Storage Unit, MoWoodworkStore, $3,340*
• Linen Button Down Shirt, NgoBolingo, $90
• Woven Baskets & Vases, DesmareonandFamily, $400 – $1,600
• Cotton & Linen Robes, EasternWoven, $110
• Ceramic Catchall, ALLIYAHandTHINGS, $150
• Planters, MorseStudio, $110 – $160

Rapper Azealia Banks is under fire after sending a disturbing message to comedian DC Young Fly in response to the death of his longtime partner, Jacky Oh.

The “212” rapper is apparently still not over the shady jokes they threw at each other on Wild ‘N Out five years ago. Banks has seemingly had it in for DC since her 2018 appearance on Nick Cannon’s sketch comedy show, where she later alleged being mistreated and called “ugly,” as noted by Music Times.

Banks took to Instagram Stories on Wednesday to issue her morbid response to the passing of Jacky Oh, the social media celebrity with whom DC shares three young children.

“DC Young Fly spent years disguising his own deeply rooted hatred of self as joked pointed at women’s beauty,” Banks wrote in posts shared on Twitter. “Projecting his own feelings about his own ugliness unto women perfectly secure in their own skin.”

“In the end… I won,” she continued.

Azealia Banks made a message to dc young fly & his family…. like this was so not needed. That lady has babies and this is not some type of karma ritual pic.twitter.com/4p3Prwd3LU

— NATE (@NATERERUN) June 7, 2023

“That Jackie o girl must have been so deeply insecure about herself,” Banks added.

She went on to reference her five-year-old Wild ‘N Out appearance while shaming DC Young Fly for calling “such a gorgeous woman as Azealia Banks… ugly on National television while a bunch of black people laughed.”

“Ironically, deaD at 32 exactly on my 32nd birthday,” Banks wrote. “You ni***s are going to learn to stop f***ing with me.”

After sending out the disturbing messages, the rapper started trending across social media, with many people saying they were canceling her for good in response to her latest antics.

“I truly think Azealia banks really is one disgusting person she is still mad over something that was said by DC young fly multiple seasons ago,” one user wrote.

“SHE CANCELLED,” added another.

Another called Banks “unwell” while sharing the old video clip of what ignited her feud with DC Young Fly.

Azealia Banks literally started with DC Young Fly then got mad when he roasted her back..TO A CRISP. And THIS is why she's celebrating the death of his child's mother?

Shorty is unwell asf.pic.twitter.com/UPjeis3GX8

— thong song enthusiast. (@thePLAINESTjane) June 7, 2023

As part of a major initiative to create a new generation of philanthropists, The New3Rs, a 501c3 nonprofit based in New York, is enrolling students in its summer program, teaching Black history, civics, compassion, and responsive philanthropy.

Its members have donated funds to a school in Zimbabwe and participated in the global We Give Summit 2023, featuring young students passionate about helping people through philanthropy. who participated in a Participating students in the session “A Young Giver’s Journey to Responsive Philanthropy” were Amiri Archibald, Blake Ansari, Ethan Fertil, and Sunay Chawla, all part of the organization’s Youth Responsive Giving Circle.

“Our students are the youngest responsive philanthropists globally investing in Black lives, and they deserve recognition,” said Dr. Starita Boyce Ansari, founder and EduTech innovator of TheNew3Rs.org. “These students work so hard to create the ‘more perfect union’ former President Obama envisions for our country. They are donating their time, talents, treasures, and testimonies to make America a safer and better place for Black people.”

The New3Rs, which launched its online education program for families of 6th through 10th graders in December 2019, educates and empowers through the art of social justice storytelling, building relationships, and fostering a sense of responsibility. The organization has already received recognition from NASDAQ, The Wise Fund, Indiana University, Purdue University, and Philanthropy Together.

Families who enroll in the courses tap into more than 10,000 Black history artifacts curated by Danni Gore, Sr., the organization’s historian, whose work is celebrated on the organization’s website. They also participate in mindfulness conversations about equity, compassion, civics, and racism around the world. This summer, the students are launching a campaign against the cocoa industry and enslavement of Black children in Africa.

Founder Ansari says, “Knowing Black history is essential to the pursuit of social justice. And no one can know the history of America without the stories of Black contributions.”

The New3Rs.org is a community of Asian, Black, Latinx, and white families committed to racial justice. The students are the youngest philanthropists awarding grants to Black-founded organizations in Africa, the Caribbean, and the USA.

This news first appeared on blackprwire.com.

Snoop Dogg has partnered with fast food restaurant Jack in the Box after the eatery placed a poll on Twitter asking fans if they should grant him the opportunity to promote a late-night menu. After a resounding 92% of users voted overwhelmingly in favor of doing so, it looks like Snoop is in charge of the menu!

Should I put @SnoopDogg in charge to promote the New Late Night Menu? I will abide by the results of this poll.

— Jack in the Box (@JackBox) June 5, 2023

After the poll, Snoop posted a video clip of himself and “Jack” walking and holding briefcases as Snoop’s song “Who Am I (What’s My Name)?” blares in the background.

Let’s do this thang, Jack https://t.co/c0bHvau40n pic.twitter.com/3LrFtDIJMC

— Snoop Dogg (@SnoopDogg) June 6, 2023

According to QSR, the two parties are collaborating to bring Snoop’s Munchie Meal to the masses. Jack in the Box will offer late-night meals at a price point of $14.

The offerings are:

• Spicy Sauced and Loaded Chicken Sandwich: Two 100% all-white meat spicy chicken strips, bacon crumbles, french fries, white cheese sauce, Good Good sauce, and ranch on a brioche bun
• Classic Taco: Crunchy taco with melty American cheese, shredded lettuce, and Jack in the Box’s signature taco sauce
• Medium Curly Fries: Perfectly seasoned crispy curly fries
• Baked Brownie: Delicious classic dark chocolate brownie with semisweet chocolate chips
• Sprite (or your chosen soda)

Snoop’s Munchie Meal will be available to consumers from June 12 until August 6. It can be purchased at Jack in the Box locations nationwide, at Jackinthebox.com and on the Jack app.

Aside from this latest partnership, Snoop is keeping himself busy as he and Dr. Dre put the finishing touches on their next album. According to Billboard, the duo has postponed their Doggystyle anniversary concerts, scheduled for June 27 and 28, due to the current writers’ strike.

• Health and Wellness

by Dontaira Terrell

June 8, 2023

Planned Parenthood Sues Kansas Over Abortion Reversal Claims

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Planned Parenthood on Tuesday sued to block a new Kansas law requiring healthcare providers to tell patients that medication abortion can be reversed, a potentially dangerous claim not supported by evidence.

The lawsuit in the District Court of Johnson County, filed against state and local authorities on behalf of a group of doctors, also challenges older mandates requiring providers to warn patients that abortion is linked to breast cancer, and to wait at last 30 minutes after meeting with a patient to perform an abortion.

Reviews of evidence by the U.S. National Cancer Institute have concluded that there is no link between abortion and breast cancer.

The office of Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Kansas Republican lawmakers passed the medication abortion reversal bill in April, amending a longstanding law that already required a raft of mandatory patient counseling and a waiting period before abortions. The legislature later overrode a veto by the state’s Democratic governor, Laura Kelly.

Medication abortion involves taking the drug mifepristone followed by misoprostol. The Kansas law requires doctors to state that the effect of mifepristone, before misoprostol, can be reversed with a high dose of the hormone progesterone.

The only clinical trial of the process was halted early after three of 12 patients experienced severe bleeding requiring them to go to the hospital.

Planned Parenthood said in Tuesday’s lawsuit that requiring doctors to suggest “experimental and potentially dangerous treatments violates medical ethics and subjects plaintiffs to potential disciplinary action or liability.”

It also said the entire patient counseling law for abortion “undermines the principles of bodily integrity and decisional autonomy that underlie the doctrine of informed consent,” and violates doctors’ free speech rights.

Medication abortion has been in the national spotlight since a Texas federal judge suspended mifepristone’s approval in April. The U.S. Supreme Court has put that ruling on hold while the Biden administration appeals.

Many Republican-led states have banned abortion since the Supreme Court eliminated the federal constitutional right to abortion last year. Abortion remains legal in Kansas.

(Reporting By Brendan Pierson in New York, Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and David Gregorio)

HBO released a new documentary about the life and career of the late Donna Summer that peels back the layers of the disco queen and shares who she was as a woman, mother, and musician.

Love to Love You, Donna Summer premiered on HBO Max last month, on May 20. Co-directed by Summer’s daughter Brooklyn Sudano and documentarian Roger Ross Williams, the film gives flowers to the electronic dance pioneer who was somewhat underrated on the music scene despite penning cult classic hits like “Bad Girls,” “Last Dance,” and “Hot Stuff.”

Speaking with Harper’s Bazaar, Sudano shared her goal for the film and how personal a project it was. “With my involvement, we really did lean in on the personal side,” Sudano said.

“This is a perspective that will really show you who she fully was as a woman and an artist and a mother. You know, the whole spectrum.”

Disco was a musical phenomenon that swept the 1970s before suffering a drastic fall from grace by the early ’80s. When disco died, so did many of the music careers associated with the art form. The stigma around disco is thought to have impacted Summer’s career and legacy in music.

Summer passed away in May 2012 at age 63 from lung cancer, just months after Whitney Houston’s equally untimely death made global headlines. That close timeline was another example of Summer not having her accomplishments given the recognition they deserve.

The new documentary highlights how strong the singer’s impact was on music, fashion, and popular culture. “I think they understand the influence,” Sudano said. “I’m not sure that maybe [the] culture as a whole has fully acknowledged it, but I’m hoping that’s part of what this film is able to do.”

“I think for a lot of people, they’re like, ‘Oh, I know this song, or I know that song,’ but then when they see the film and they see all of these things piece together, they’ll then understand the full scope and the full impact.”