Missy Elliott is making history as the first female rapper to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Elliott is part of the 2023 class that includes Willie Nelson, Kate Bush, Sheryl Crow, and George Michael. The “Work It” hitmaker will be inducted in a ceremony taking place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. in November.

Her induction, announced yesterday, comes on the 50th anniversary of hip-hop and serves as a nod to the genre’s prominence in the music industry. Elliott is the only artist to be inducted in her first year of eligibility. She made her commercial debut with her 1997 album “Supa Dupa Fly.”

“Missy Elliott got in first ballot, just like Eminem got in first ballot last year and Jay-Z the year before,” John Sykes, chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, said.

“So if there’s a through-line we’re seeing, it shows the power of hip-hop music culture now, as if we didn’t know it already, as far as how quickly these artists are being recognized on the first ballot.”

The “Get Ur Freak On” rapper has also worked as an executive producer, songwriter, and talent scout. Elliott is already included in the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, has four Grammys, two American Music Awards, and is a Billboard Women in Music Innovator award.

The Virginia native took to Twitter to express her gratitude ahead of the induction ceremony later this year.

“It’s times I have gotten on line & seen your irrelevant your a flop your washed up & it would crush me at times🥺BUT God you made me STRONG I kept going & you allowed my decades of WORK to SPEAK 4 itself🙏🏾,” she wrote.

“I am HUMBLED thank you all my Supporters💜 I LOVE YOU💜”

https://twitter.com/MissyElliott/status/1653778503056392193?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

The 2023 inductees for the 38th annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame are:

Performer Category

Kate Bush
Sheryl Crow
Missy Elliott
George Michael
Willie Nelson
Rage Against the Machine
The Spinners

Musical Influence Award

DJ Kool Herc
Link Wray

Musical Excellence Award

Chaka Khan
Al Kooper
Bernie Taupin

Ahmet Ertegun Award

Don Cornelius

RELATED CONTENT: Missy Elliott First Female Rapper Nominated For Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

• News

by Sharelle B. McNair

May 3, 2023

Sky High: NYC Rent Could Go Up For 1 Million Apartments, Rent Board Approves

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Frustrations spilled over during a Rent Guidelines Board meeting where a vote passed on one-year and two-year leases for rent-stabilized apartments in New York City.

ABC 7 reports the preliminary vote passed 5-4 on Tuesday night, proposing a range of rent hikes – 2-5% for one-year leases and 4-7% for two-year leases, before a final vote. Tenant advocates and landlords put pressure on the board, with some even jumping on stage to protest, as seen in a viral video on Twitter.

Oh sh*t.

Council members and tenants just burnished the stage to demand a rent decrease! pic.twitter.com/GNss0dqHRF

— Leah Goodridge (@leahfrombklyn) May 3, 2023

NYC tenants like Claristine Gardner, who say they are drowning in debt, decided enough is enough. “The pandemic had us down for so long,” Gardner said. “How could we afford our increase right now? Most of us don’t have jobs.” No resident is safe from the rent increase, including New York City Councilmember Sandy Nurse, who joined the protest as her landlord wants to push her rent-stabilized apartment to market value. “Tonight is about sending a message that New York City tenants cannot take it anymore,” Nurse said.

According to NBC 4, Mayor Eric Adams opposed the board voting at the high end of the increase—7% for two-year leases. But that was after he unveiled the proposal to a panel of the Rent Stabilization Association that would affect about a million rent-stabilized apartments. The group represents thousands of small building landlords who say a rent increase is unavoidable between inflation, tax hikes, insurance, and more.

Many blamed former NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Still better than the irresponsible and reckless de Blasio year, but not quite the appreciation of the increasing costs building owners are always facing,” one member said. Advocates argued that the increase would lead to regular New York City residents being unable to continue living in the city, calling the hike “cold-blooded.”

The final vote is scheduled for June 21.

Eboni K. Williams has been under fire after admitting she would only date a bus driver if he owned the bus.

The backlash ignited after a clip from Williams’ interview with life coach and spiritual teacher Iyanla Vanzant went viral on social media. The clip starts with The Real Housewives of New York City alumna and theGrio star asking the Fix My Life star for advice for Black women who are successful in their career but still figuring out how to “position ourselves in our divinity” when some Black men are “not in a position to protect nor provide.”

Vanzant’s response to Williams was a question asking, “Would you date a bus driver?”

“If he owns the bus,” Williams replied. “If he owns it.”

“That’s a problem,” Vanzant said. “Because the standards and requisites, the standards and criteria that we use to measure men is off for who we are as women and who they are in this society.”

She continued, “I would date a bus driver if he loved driving the bus; if he was a man of integrity; if he loved his mama; if he loved me well; I would date a bus driver.”

The discussion went viral after one Twitter user shared the clip and said “Iyanla Vanzant asks a sister, would she date a bus driver.”

https://twitter.com/DEJACKS43492044/status/1652233826762993665

Williams has since faced mixed reactions with some defending the attorney’s stance and others criticizing her take on men who drive buses.

“Why is that black women in most cases are expected to date down and or except a man giving her a struggle lifestyle. Isn’t she a lawyer?” one user asked.

“She’s still single FYI. The bus drivers don’t have issues finding dates,” added someone else.

However, after becoming a trending topic and receiving an onslaught of direct criticism, Williams returned to her show to clarify her stance on dating bus drivers.

“After the 50,000-plus comments posted on social, I only saw a handful that even considered the possibility of a bus owner being a more aspirational position,” she said.

“And recognizing that I am actually speaking and pouring into the ascension of Black men when I said what I said.”

The exclusive interview with Eboni K. Williams (@ebonikwilliams) and Dr. Iyanla Vanzant about if she would date a bus driver seems to have a lot of people talking. You can watch her response tonight on #theGrio. Catch the full interview, here: https://t.co/ctxE0zKFWj pic.twitter.com/BhIO52T2fg

— theGrio.com (@theGrio) May 2, 2023

Williams called out the people who personally shamed her and other Black women as “undesirable, gold diggers, and much worse.”

“Now I suspect that some of y’all are the same men that brought home C’s and D’s on your report cards only to then be coddled by parents that said ‘Well that’s OK. As long as you’re doing your best,”” she explained.

Williams continued.

“I love and believe in the excellence of Black men. So no my dear, C’s and D’s or any other form of mediocrity is not okay.”

However, her update only ignited more criticism from many who accused Williams of “gaslighting” people into supporting her take on mediocre men.

“The gaslighting divestment babble isn’t working sweetheart. Nice try!” one Twitter user wrote.

There were others who defended Williams saying she has the right to whatever standards she chooses to set for men she dates.

“No explanation is necessary. I saw nothing wrong with what she said the first time around. 🤷🏾‍♀️ her standards are what they are,” they wrote.

RELATED CONTENT: Eboni K. Williams and Angela Yee Talk Femininity as Strength

Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade were thinking about their kids’ future when they decided to depart the Sunshine State.

Union spoke with Variety at the 2023 Met Gala about the decision to move their family from Florida to continue living in a safer environment.

“We had to think about where every member of our household would be comfortable, and welcome, and celebrated,” the 50-year-old actress said, recalling 2016 being a time she believes the world became less inclusive. “We felt that pretty immediately.”

Thinking about the kids being older and already exploring the world, she mentioned her 15-year-old stepdaughter, Zaya Wade, who will graduate in a couple of years, and her four-year-old daughter, Kaavia James. “Where would Kaavia James go to school, where they’re open to teaching facts and accurate history?” Union questioned. “Where can they say ‘gay,’ much less’ trans,’ and where would we not get arrested for affirming our child’s identity?

Although the Wades have so many loved ones in Florida, she confirmed that, at the moment, the state no longer fits or serves the needs of her family.

“For everyone that is still in Florida and fighting the good fight, keep fighting because we are there in all the other ways we can be supportive of the movement and restoring real freedom,” she promised to fellow Floridians and people affected by the laws all over the country. “Just know that we are actively, not just fighting for our own family, but your family as well,” she said to the Variety reporter.

“We’re not free until everybody’s free,” Union added.

Former Heat star Wade recently appeared on “Headliners” and discussed his decision to pull his family from Florida following the state’s expansion of anti-LGBTQ laws.

Architectural Digest said the couple sold their Miami Beach mansion in 2021. In their plans to cut ties with Florida, the retired NBA star and actress settled in a new home in an upscale neighborhood in Hidden Hills, California.

• News

by Iman Milner

May 3, 2023

10-Year-Old Children Found Working At Louisville McDonald’s

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According to CNN, an investigation into child labor law violations in the Southeast region has uncovered troubling findings at fast food giant McDonald’s.

The US Department of Labor said on Tuesday that two 10-year-old children were found to be working at a Louisville, Kentucky, location, sometimes until 2 a.m. The agency also found that the three franchisees own more than 60 McDonald’s locations throughout Kentucky, Indiana, Maryland, and Ohio. They were found to have “employed 305 children to work more than the legally permitted hours and perform tasks prohibited by law for young workers,” the Labor Department said in a statement.

“Investigators from the department’s Wage and Hour Division found two 10-year-old workers at a Louisville McDonald’s restaurant among many violations of federal labor laws committed by three Kentucky McDonald’s franchise operators,” the release said.

“Investigators also determined two 10-year-old children were employed – but not paid – and sometimes worked as late as 2 a.m.” For their part, McDonald’s says the findings do not align with the brand’s culture. “These reports are unacceptable, deeply troubling and run afoul of the high expectations we have for the entire McDonald’s brand. […] We are committed to ensuring our franchisees have the resources they need to foster safe workplaces for all employees and maintain compliance with all labor laws,” Tiffanie Boyd, senior vice president and chief people officer at McDonald’s USA, told CNN.

According to Franchisee Bauer Foods LLC, the two 10-year-old children were confirmed to be relatives of the night manager. They were said to be simply visiting and weren’t “approved by franchisee organization management to be in that part of the restaurant.” The three franchisees will hand over $212,754 in civil money penalties for the child labor violations, the Labor Department said.

“Too often, employers fail to follow the child labor laws that protect young workers,” said Karen Garnett-Civils, the agency’s wage and hour division district director, in a statement. “Under no circumstances should there ever be a 10-year-old child working in a fast-food kitchen around hot grills, ovens and deep fryers.”

Agreed!

• News

by Sharelle B. McNair

May 3, 2023

Black California Residents One Step Closer To Receiving $1 Million Reparations Payments

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California is not playing around when it comes to giving Black residents what they are due in reparations.

KTLA reports the California Reparations Task Force is set to meet and vote on how much residents should receive. Eligible residents who have lived in California their whole lives and those who are 71 or older could potentially get as much as $1.2 million. If the vote is approved, the task force would suggest the money be distributed as “down payments.”

The payments would reflect the work of economists who advised the task force and were asked to estimate the total losses suffered by Black Californians impacted by slavery and institutional racism. Qualifying candidates could get various payments to make up for the injustices of “over-policing,” discrimination in housing, and inequity in the healthcare system. According to the Sacramento Bee, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 3121, sponsored by former Assemblywoman Shirley Weber, exploring how the state can compensate Black residents for harms caused by enslavement and racial discrimination.

This is one of many meetings discussing reparations for Black Californians. Earlier this year, the San Francisco Reparations Committee presented a hefty payback program for Black residents. The recommended sum is $5 million each. San Francisco residents who identify as Black and are at least 18 years of age would receive a lump sum of cash under this plan but with strict requirements. Residents must be “personally, or the direct descendant of someone, incarcerated by the failed War on Drugs” or “descendants of someone enslaved through U.S. chattel slavery before 1865.”

The task force may also recommend the State of California issue a formal apology for slavery and several state laws and actions that members say actively discriminated against Black residents, like the prohibition of interracial marriage, Confederacy-based monuments, and open segregation and discrimination in the arts industry.

The final meeting is set to be held on June 30.

• News

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

May 3, 2023

New York Subway Rider Dies After Fellow Passenger Holds Him In Headlock For 15 Minutes

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A new video released by the New York Post shows the shocking moments that led to the death of a man on a New York City subway at the hands of a fellow passenger.

According to witnesses, 30-year-old Jordan Neely boarded the northbound F subway train and soon began hurling insults at passengers. “He started screaming in an aggressive manner,” Juan Alberto Vazquez told The Post. “He said he had no food; he had no drink, that he was tired and didn’t care if he goes to jail. He started screaming all these things, took off his jacket, a black jacket that he had, and threw it on the ground.” That’s when, according to Vazquez, a 24-year-old former Marine, stepped in and brought Neely to the floor of the subway before placing him in a chokehold, which he held for 15 minutes.

Neely lost consciousness and was eventually pronounced dead when EMS workers could not revive him.

The 30-year-old lived on the streets and had a history of mental health issues. “I think that, in one sense, it’s fine that citizens want to jump in and help. But I think as heroes, we have to use moderation,” Vazquez told The Post. “This would never have happened if the subway police had shown up within five minutes,” he added. “Then we’d be talking about a true hero. It’s complicated.” The 24-year-old suspect was taken into custody but was released shortly after. He declined to comment on the situation when approached by The Post, saying, “I am not interested in answering any questions, thank you.”

As discussions continue around the use of excessive force by law enforcement on people experiencing mental health crises, it may also be time to start conversations around the responsibility of civilians in similar situations.

A difficult situation has Miami University scouting for a new basketball coach.

DeUnna Hendrix is now a former coach for the Miami of Ohio women’s basketball team after she resigned on Wednesday amid the university’s discovery of an alleged intimate relationship with an unnamed player.

According to communications provided to The Athletic, Hendrix, 38, and the Redhawks player shared over 180 text messages within 11 days. Over 30 intimate messages were found that included statements that read “I love you,” “You’re my baby,” and “I. Can’t. Wait. To. Squeeze. You.”

“Doing this with you openly would be more than ideal,” one text exchange said. In a message delivered on April 9, Hendrix wrote, “TODAY IS THE DAYYYYYY that my girl returns to me,” and mentioned that “the airport will be clear of Miami WBB employees.”

Another text exchange found the player professing her love for Hendrix.

Miami University Director of Athletics David Sayler suspended Hendrix on April 20, 2023, the day after he became aware of the text messages.

As determined by the university, “There were no allegations of criminal activity nor was there an indication of a Title IX Sexual Misconduct violation. However, this investigation led to her resignation. Had she not resigned, the university would have pursued the termination process.”

“Much of the underlying information surrounding events remains confidential and protected student information,” the media relations department said.

Sayler announced Hendrix’s resignation on April 26, per The Miami Redhawks.

“I want to thank Miami University and its administration for allowing me to lead this program for the last four years,” Hendrix said. “I can’t express the amount of gratitude I have for this prestigious institution and its leadership. I also want to thank the Oxford community for the continual love and support. I look forward to the next phase of my career and continue rooting for the RedHawks.”

The 2019 hire led the women’s basketball team for four seasons, racking impressivenal stats and honors.

• News

by Iman Milner

May 3, 2023

Oprah’s Neighbors Fear Additions To Her Property Make Them Susceptible To Flooding

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Oprah Winfrey’s Montecito, California, estate is the envy of many as her sprawling 20,424 square foot mansion sits on over 60 acres of land.

After surviving severe mudslides caused by torrential rain and flooding in 2018, Winfrey has taken precautionary steps to protect her “Promised Land” through a wall she’s building between it and the San Ysidro Creek, according to the Los Angeles Times. The creek runs along the media mogul’s estate, and to avoid creek erosion and subsequent water damage, she is now attempting to reroute the water’s flow.

And her neighbors are not pleased.

Fearing that the boulder wall will redirect floodwaters onto their properties, many in the surrounding community demand construction be stalled. “You can’t alter creek canals and not expect there to be results,” Sharon Byrne, the Montecito Association executive director, said in an interview with Santa Barbra’s Noozhawk. “Don’t change the creeks. They are going to shift and move on their own.” Earlier this year, many residents evacuated due to heavy rainfall, a common issue in the Montecito area.

Planning for the wall commenced after Jimenez Nursery obtained a permit on Feb. 1. The permit seeks to reconstruct the creek bank after the flood and replace boulders that had either eroded or washed away, according to the Los Angeles Times. After a complaint was filed with the county, a group of officials and inspectors have since met to analyze the scale of the project. Currently, an investigation is still ongoing.

The wall was built along Winfrey’s Santa Rosa Lane property, which spans 23 acres, and is an extension of her originally purchased property. The estate, formerly known as Seamair Farm, hosts a ranch-style home built by prolific architect Cliff May, equestrian facilities, a stable, barn, riding rings, and a horse trainer’s house.

Diddy and Yung Miami are facing criticism after putting their friends-with-benefits romance on public display at the Met Gala. There’s one spectator accusing them of seemingly being kinky business partners.

Caresha “Yung Miami” Brownlee came to slay her first Met Gala courtesy of Diddy’s plus one. The City Girls rapper looked stunning in an all-black number that paired perfectly with Diddy’s self-designed Sean John ensemble.

The glammed-out date night came weeks after Caresha confirmed her single status in an interview with The Cut despite a year of parading a public ‘situationship’ with the Bad Boy founder. So with Diddy bringing Caresha as his date to the Met Gala, the two were forced to address the elephant in the room. Are they dating or not?

“We don’t put titles on it,” Diddy told “Vogue,” via “Entertainment tonight.”

Caresha chimed in to elaborate more on the dynamic of their unique friendship.

“We’re still friends! We’re still good friends! But we’re single. That’s not my man,” Miami said.

“We had our own situation, I’m not gonna put a title on it. We were f**king with each other hard. We were together every day at one point. He supported me, I supported him. I’ll let the internet call it whatever they want to call it.”

In a separate interview with La La Anthony, Diddy called Caresha his “best friend” and clarified their desire not to put titles on their relationship.

https://twitter.com/itstiacurtia/status/1653383328391741441?s=20

The response only heightened the speculation surrounding Diddy and Caresha’s relationship status with one Twitter user defending the “Act Up” femcee from being placed in a “box” with the hip-hop mogul.

“Caresha is a publicly claimed and cared for Courtesan,” one user wrote in a tweet captured by The Neighborhood Talk. “And I need the collective to revamp their understanding of that role and how influential and powerful it is instead of trying to force her and Diddy into a box they themselves they don’t want to be in.”

 

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A post shared by The Neighborhood Talk (@theneighborhoodtalk)

However, not everyone was in agreement. Love & Hip Hop: NY alum Raqi Thunder responded to the tweet with her shady take on Diddy and Caresha’s relationship dynamic.

“She is an ambassador for Deleon and contracted to at least 5 more episodes on revolt. It’s business with a side of golden showers,” Raqi quipped.

“And that’s ok if that’s what she wants but let’s not romanticize it anymore than what it is.”

It didn’t take too long for Caresha to catch wind of the shady claim and clap back in the comments section: “I want a bi*ch to stop speaking on me and fa me!” she declared.

RELATED CONTENT: Yung Miami And Diddy ‘Good Friends’ After Ending Their ‘Situation’