R&B and pop icon Usher has truly leaned into his legendary era.

After delivering one of the most popular Tiny Desk concerts in NPR history, having a must-see residency in Vegas,  and proving that his mic has and will always be on at this year’s Dreamville Music Festival, the “Confessions” singer has his sights set on one of the biggest stages: the Super Bowl halftime show.

Twitter has been abuzz with demands to see the ever-youthful 44-year-old follow in the footsteps of other musical icons like Michael Jackson, Prince, and Beyoncé, who’ve all taken their turn wowing audiences at one of the most-watched sporting events in the world. And it seems that fans may get what they want. In a recent interview with Access Hollywood, Usher said that he would be “a fool” to turn down the opportunity should it come his way. “I’d be a fool to say no,” Usher said. “Well, I mean, you know, things line up that we would all hope. You know, one day, that moment will happen.”

This wouldn’t be his first time taking the stage at the Super Bowl. He made a special appearance in 2011 to perform his hit “O.M.G” alongside Will.I.Am and the Black Eyed Peas; however, doing a solo headlining performance is something the singer says is on his “bucket list.”

Undoubtedly, the Atlanta native has the hits to put on a major show. In February, Usher said he was humbled by fans calling on him to take on the Super Bowl, saying, “What I am thankful for is the fact that there’s even any conversation about me — period.” He continued, “I feel humbled that at this age and this juncture of my life, people still have to ask the question, (even) after all of the No. 1s that I’ve had and all the diamond (selling songs), that I have enough records to perform 15 minutes.”

We would love to see it!

• News

by Iman Milner

April 24, 2023

Facebook Users Can Now Claim Their Share Of The Historic $725 Million Data Privacy Settlement

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Being an OG social media user may come with a few perks. Facebook’s parent company Meta agreed to pay $725 million to settle a high-profile privacy lawsuit last year, and now Facebook users who were active between 2007 and 2022 can claim their share.

With the launch of a new website, Meta is making it easy for users to receive their apologies straight to their bank accounts via Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, and ACH transfer. The historic settlement comes after a class action lawsuit was filed against the company after it disclosed that it shared the information of 87 million users to consultancy firm Cambridge Analytica, which was linked to Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, without consent, according to Complex. The firm was granted access to users’ personal information and Facebook was accused of failing to “adequately monitor” the usage. A law firm representing the plaintiffs in the case says it is the “largest recovery ever achieved in a data privacy class action and the most Facebook has ever paid to resolve a private class action.”

It has yet to be determined how much each user stands to gain from the settlement, as the numbers depend on how many people actually pursue their share. However, claims can be submitted until Aug. 25 via the website.

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg testified before Congress last year as part of the trial and issued an apology on behalf of his billion-dollar company and promised never to exploit user data again. Meta, however, has yet to admit to having mismanaged personal information saying, “We pursued a settlement as it’s in the best interest of our community and shareholders,” via a statement. With false information being disseminated regularly online to push controversial agendas, it will be fascinating to see if and how social media sites will be held responsible for targeting users based on their interests, demographics, and other privately shared information.

Fugees member Pras Michel has reportedly admitted to snitching at a federal trial last week.

According to Rolling Stone, Michel, one-third of the New Jersey-bred hip-hop group, The Fugees, is currently on trial in federal court. The embattled rapper has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of conspiracy and falsifying records. The charges are related to Pras’ alleged involvement with Malaysian financier Jho Low, who is accused of finessing $4.5 billion from Malaysia’s 1MDB sovereign wealth fund.

In a rarity, Michel decided to testify in his own defense. He reportedly told the judge in the case he was doing so “after consulting with my attorneys and the universe.”

The case is against Michel and Low, but the financier is not in court due to his fugitive status.

Federal prosecutors have accused the Jersey recording artist of getting millions from assisting Low in running foreign-influence campaigns against the United States government while Barack Obama and Donald Trump were in office. Michel is accused of channeling money from Low to Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign. He is also accused of lobbying the Trump administration to drop an investigation into Low and extradite dissident Chinese billionaire Guo Wengui.

Michel admitted to prosecutors last week that he voluntarily met with FBI agents to assist with China’s attempts to deport Wengui.

He told the courtroom he was a “celebrity surrogate” for Low, admitting the financier compensated him $20 million in 2012 to help him get a photo with Obama. He said that he was “basically asked for $1 million to begin to think about how” he might be able to get Low that long-sought-after photo with Obama. Over nine months, that price tag was raised to $20 million, with Low eventually getting that photo opportunity at a White House Christmas party.

Michel said he never made any political donations on Low’s behalf. Anything he did, he ran those activities with his attorneys and accountants to make sure everything was done correctly.

He also testified about his alleged attempts to get the U.S. to extradite Wengui. He claims he was not acting as an agent for China, and he met with FBI agents on his own several times to discuss Wengui and three Americans being held hostage in China.

“I took it upon myself to report because I thought the FBI should know,” Michel said.

CBS News reported that the Ghetto Supastar testified that “no one I spoke to ever mentioned” that he needed to register as a foreign agent if he was working on China’s behalf. He claimed if he had known, he would have done so.

Prosecutors said Michel attended a meeting between Republican lobbyist Elliott Broidy and the Malaysian prime minister the night before the prime minister was going to meet with Trump. The rapper said he was only there to “say hello” and nothing more.

Michel’s legal team, led by celebrity attorney David Kenner, said he believed he had acted in the country’s best interest and did not act as a foreign agent of China. They have tried several times to have the charges dismissed on various grounds of selective and illicit prosecution. 

• Celebrity News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 24, 2023

Rapper Quavo Announces Limited Edition Hoodies and Celebrity Football Game in Honor of Takeoff

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Shortly after Migos member Takeoff was killed in Houston last October, The Rocket Foundation was established in honor of the rapper. The organization supports programs saving lives through community-based solutions proven to prevent gun violence. According to Hypebeast, a limited-edition hoodie is being sold to benefit The Rocket Foundation and a celebrity football game is planned in honor of Takeoff.

Quavo, who was with Takeoff the night he was slain, is collaborating with the clothing brand, Legends to commemorate the deceased rapper with a limited-edition hoodie.

“STRONGEST LINK IN THE WORLD #OBFIL ♾️
@legends limited edition Rocket Hoodie.
All proceeds benefit The Rocket Foundation

“Takeoff Forever #RocketPower 🚀 ”

 

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The Legends x Quavo Forever Takeoff Hoodie can now be purchased on the Legends website for $140, with all proceeds going to the foundation.

“The Foundation’s mission is to invest in and elevate proven community violence interventions and positive alternatives for young people,and build a platform for influential leaders to fight against daily violence in our cities and neighborhoods,” Quavo said in a written statement. “The Rocket Foundation has made investments in four powerful initiatives: Community Justice Action Fund, Hope Hustlers, Live Free, and the Offenders Alumni Association. We believe these groups will help interrupt the cycle of violence in Atlanta and put young people on a positive trajectory.”

To support The Rocket Foundation, Quavo also announced that all the proceeds from Huncho Day, which takes place on Saturday, April 29, will be given to the foundation. Scheduled to play in the 5th Annual Huncho Day celebrity charity football game include 2Chainz, Gucci Mane, Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, Ronnie2K, D’Andre Swift, Patrick Surtain, Zion Clark, Xavier McKinney, Marlon Humphrey, Bradley Chubb, Taylor Rooks, Kyle Pitts and several more.

The event will occur at Berkmar High School, 405 Pleasant Hill Rd, Lilburn, Georgia. It’s Quavo’s alma mater and will be from 12 noon to 4:30 p.m.

Proceeds from sponsorships, corporate contributions, and ticket sales for this year’s event will go to The Rocket Foundation and The Quavo Cares Foundation, a 501(c)3. Free tickets can be obtained here. Tame Pass – Early Access tickets can also be purchased for a minimum donation of $5.

RELATED CONTENT: EXCLUSIVE: Quavo Says ‘Praise This’ Film Packs A ’Good Message If You Believe in God’

There’s a shortage of Black men at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). 

While a myriad of social issues can explain the shortage of Black men seeking higher education at HBCUs, The Washington Post spoke to experts to better the problem. One of the reasons for the shortage, The Washington Post writes, is that many Black men and boys feel that they cannot intellectually compete on the college level. 

K-12 research director at the United Negro College Fund, Meredith Anderson coined the term “belief gap,”  which she describes as “what Black men and boys can achieve and what others, such as teachers or college counselors think they can.” 

“The data bears this out. Non-Black teachers have lower expectations for Black students than Black teachers have, studies show,” The Washington Post writes. “Black boys are more than three times as likely as White boys to be suspended from school. Black students also are underrepresented in programs for gifted and talented students and in Advanced Placement courses.” 

Winston Coffee, college liaison of the Midnight Golf Program, told The Washington Post that college enrollment also signifies “delayed gratification.” Coffee suggests that waiting years to make a significant amount of money isn’t appealing to potential college students. 

“When talking to Black men who are not interested in college, Coffee tries to understand their motivation and asks how college might become a part of how they want to better themselves,” The Washington Post writes.  ‘He also invites former program members who have gone to college to visit and speak to high-schoolers. Their influence matters — Black men with college degrees generally earn more than those without degrees.” 

Jacory Benard, the admissions recruiter at Morehouse College, added that is a challenge for Black boys just to exist in America.  

Another factor speaking to the shortage of Black men at HBCUs is costs. While HBCUs do offer scholarships, Private White Institutions have the backing to offer more funding to potential students. 

“Students are shopping for the best opportunity for them in terms of cost. They’re going to go where it is the cheapest they can attend,” Adriel Hilton, ​​vice chancellor for student affairs and enrollment management at Southern University in New Orleans, said to The Washington Post. 

Also, the Black experience is broad and diverse, and many schools do not speak to their respective experiences. 

“The mission of an HBCU can’t be fulfilled if we aren’t making a point to educate all Black people,” Shjan Carter, a student at Howard University, said to The Washington Post. 

• Entertainment

by Booker Jones

April 24, 2023

KRS-One Brings Hip-Hop History To the People, Specifically To Its Foundation At 1520 Sedgwick Avenue

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Hip-hop rolls through its 50th birthday and inspires fans worldwide. The self-proclaimed ‘The Teacher’ KRS-One continues to show up for hip-hop as a participant and a teacher. 

According to several reports, the Criminal Minded MC is returning to the community center at 1520 Sedwick in the Bronx. Through KRS-One’s Birthplaceofhiphop.nyc, the Boogie Down Productions member will organize programs at 1520 Sedgwick, such as classes centered on hip-hop and the history of hip-hop. 

According to a press release obtained by Complex, the Bronx-raised MC said: “We used our creativity when they tried to stifle us. We created the culture because we wanted to stand out and stand up for our artistry. Hip-hop is the people’s movement. I am excited to showcase this to the world in the space where it all began at 1520 Sedgwick in the Community Center. It feels right to be here, where it all began.”

As the story goes, 1520 Sedwick was once the home of Clive Campbell, better known as DJ Kool Herc. On Aug. 11, 1973, Herc’s sister, Cindy Campbell, to earn extra money for school clothes, decided to host a “Back to School Jam” at the project’s community center. Kool Herc, known to have the loudest speakers in the BX, provided the music. During the party, Kool Herc displayed his merry-go-round DJ style, extending the breaks on records. This event is recognized as the birth of hip-hop. 

“The 50th anniversary of hip-hop is a global movement that speaks to the grit, voice, and power of how it came to be in the first place—we used our voices when they tried to silence us,” KRS said.

Today, hip-hop is consumed by several millions of people from diverse backgrounds, but hip-hop was born out of the oppressive poverty that plagued the Bronx, Harlem, and other boroughs. As Jeff Chang shows in Can’t Stop Won’t Stop, hip-hop directly resulted from the construction of the Cross-Bromx Expressway. The construction of the CBE removed over 60,000 residents from the Bronx. Those who could afford to move relocated. However, many were forced to move into newly constructed housing projects in the South Bronx. 

During an interview with AllHip-Hop.com, KRS said he would give regular updates on the events at the 1520 Sedgwick Community Center. He also told Allhiphop.com that he will seek help from “magazines, dictionaries, publishing houses, newspapers, et cetera—in addition to government officials and their agencies, to begin capitalizing hip-hop, as it is the name of our ‘culture.’”

The Ghetto Music rapper added: “This year, Hip Hop Appreciation Week occurs May 16–22. This, too, has a series of planned events to be announced at our April 25 press conference.”

50 Cent knows all about transformation. He has told his life story through rap and made millions. So, it makes sense that he’s part of the new series dedicated to transforming lives.

According to Deadline, the Jamaica, Queens native is in the early stages of production for Redemption Ink. The Hulu series will follow former gang and hate group members in the early stages of recreating their lives. Created by Matt Bazan, viewers can watch men and women remove their gang and hate-inspired tattoos while sharing stories on their troubled backgrounds as they seek healthier and safer lifestyles. 

It’s not always easy for rappers to penetrate other industries of work—and enjoy extreme levels of success. But Fif has found the perfect formula. He executive-produced Power, and its spin-off shows Power Book II: Ghost, Power Book III: Raising Kanan, and Power IV: Force. Now, Demetrius” Lil Meech” Flenory Jr., the son of Black Mafia Family leader Big Meech, is seeing success as the star of the BMF series, thanks partly to 50 Cent’s guidance. 

50 Cent burst onto the rap scene in 1999 with the goal of trapping a dollar, and has since perfected the skill. Recently,  he took to his Instagram account to announce that he secured another bag by bringing Nicole Lynn’s life story to television. 

“Nicole Lynn is no joke i told STARZ, they didn’t listen,” 50 wrote in his IG caption. “They paid for development then had a change of heart. Now you know i’m gonna sell this show in no time.”

 

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The rapper-turned-TV mogul will serve as Redemption Ink’s executive producer. The series is part of his G-Unit Film & Television company. As of now, there is no streaming date for Redemption Ink.

RELATED CONTENT: 50 Cent Says He’s Technically Been A Billionaire Since 2007

Could it be that Ashanti and Nelly are giving their love another chance?

The rapper and singer were seen shoulder-to-shoulder ringside at the Gervonta Davis/Ryan Garcia boxing match over the weekend in Las Vegas. TMZ reports the two were spotted holding hands, lighting a fire on social media that they are back together.

Nelly & Ashanti at Gervonta Davis & Ryan Garcia fight pic.twitter.com/OXxaEDUIMO

— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) April 23, 2023

Ashanti, 42, and Nelly, 48, were one of hip-hop’s favorite couples in the early 2000s for over 10 years. While keeping it cute in the beginning stages of their relationship, the Grammy Award singer/songwriter told  People that an engagement was “definitely in the future” in 2008. This isn’t the first time the two had reconciliation rumors. In December, it was reported that the chemistry was very apparent during a performance of their 2008 hit, “Body On Me.” Later, while appearing on Watch What Happens Live, she responded to a fan asking if she and Nelly would ever consider getting back together.

“Oh my gosh,” she said. “I saw a lot of comments. My reaction was…wow. It was a lot of comments and a lot of people wanting that.”

One person that seems to be irritated by the ongoing narrative is rapper Bow Wow. Bow Wow, whose real name is Shad Moss, also caught wind of the two enjoying the fight together and decided to speak his mind, telling Nelly to “stop playing.” “Yo mo! I know we not seeing eye to eye either really but from lil bro to big bro, STOP PLAYING AND MARRY THIS WOMAN BRO,” Moss wrote under a ShadeRoom post.

“You like 50,” he wrote with a laughing face emoji. “Sit your old ass down. This your queen.”

Ashanti doesn’t seem to be digging too much into the rumors, as she is booked and busy. She recently sat down with BE to talk about her new movie, No Address, her campaign with Marc Jacobs, and how she stays away from the drama.

• News

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 24, 2023

NAACP Sues Mississippi Governor For ‘Separate and Unequal Policing’

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The NAACP is concerned with the new laws passed in the “Blackest city in America”—Jackson, Mississippi.

ABC News reports the NAACP is suing Republican Gov. Tate Reeves and officials, claiming it’s only a matter of time before “separate and unequal policing” returns under the new state-run police department. Filed late last Friday, the lawsuit warns that these are “serious violations of the principle of self-government because they take control of the police and some courts out of the hands of residents.”

“In certain areas of Jackson, a citizen can be arrested by a police department led by a State-appointed official, be charged by a State-appointed prosecutor, be tried before a State-appointed judge, and be sentenced to imprisonment in a State penitentiary regardless of the severity of the act,” the lawsuit says.

Earlier this month, it was reported that lawmakers voted to give more power to a state police agency in Jackson accused of shooting four people last summer. The Mississippi Capitol Police will send them to patrol all of Jackson as a tactic by mostly white Republican state officials to exert more control over law enforcement in the majority-Black, Democrat-led capital.

Reeves says the law came about due to the violent crimes seen in the city, with more than 100 homicides over the past three years. However, NAACP President Derrick Johnson, who is also a resident, says the law would put Black people in the category of “second-class citizens.”

According to CBS News, Reeves believes the state-run Capitol Police would stabilize the understaffed department. He also claims the city working on the “problem” is met with cries of racism. “We’re working to address it and when we do, we’re met with overwhelming false cries of racism and mainstream media who falsely call our actions’ Jim Crow,’” Reeves said.

Increased jurisdiction in Jackson for the Capitol Police could begin as early as Jul. 1.

Questlove is coming off the 2021 release of his book Music is History. Already, the human music dictionary is celebrating the recent release of another book, The Rhyme of Time.

The host of Questlove Supreme stopped by The View to discuss his teen novel, a book that Questlove said was written for a 9-year-old Questlove. “I want Black nerds to see themselves as well,” the director of Summer of Soul said on The View. 

According to Penguin Random House, the book’s publishing house, The Rhyme of Time follows the life of Rahim Reynolds, a 7th-grader who enjoys experimenting with gadgets made by his friend, Kasia. When Kasia makes a cellphone that Rahim falls in love with, neither Rahim nor Kasia knows that the phone has a special battery that interacts with a government satellite. 

Questlove and S.A. Crosby, the co-author of The Rhyme of Time, spoke with NPR’s Ayesha Roscoe about their new opus. 

“In my mind, I’m so obsessed with time travel, but I’m one of those nerds that – yeah, I’m sorry. It took me till the pandemic to watch “Star Wars” the complete series and things that nerds are supposed to know already – like, nerd 101 stuff. I just thought that I can’t write a book about time travel and stuff. Like, I don’t even know what the terms to use…” 

Crosby added: “There aren’t really any rules about time travel. It’s how far you want to go with it as a creative person, you know? It’s like – you know, to quote “Star Wars,” nobody knows how lightsabers work. They just know they’re cool. You know, it’s not a Stephen Hawking dissertation. You just got to make it make sense.”

Rhyme of Time is also in conversation with Black Nerd Problems, a collection of essays penned by William Evans and Omar Holmon.  

Questlove’s 2021 effort, Music is History finds the drummer linking blaxploitation films to the reshaping of Black identity. 

Purchase The Rhyme of Time here.