Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut entered the ring and walked away with an estimated $58 million in ticket sales. According to the Associated Press, Creed III was expected to earn only in the $30 million range. 

The third installment of Creed finds Jordan’s character, Adonis, slugging with his childhood friend, Dame, who is played by Jonathan Majors. 

During their many promos runs, Jordan and Majors spoke to The New York Times. Jordan told NYT why he chose Majors for this role. 

“I knew he had range. I didn’t know his education, but I knew he studied,” Jordan said to NYT. “And he had layers behind him, you could tell. Then you’re kind of curious, like, “He’s one to watch. I wonder what the choices are going to be next. I know how I would move.”

Jordan added: “I was like, “Oh, I could work with him.” Especially for me, as I’m thinking about movies and scripts that I have in development, I’m always thinking about other cats that I want to put into the film.”

Initially, Majors had a lot of things to consider before agreeing to participate in Creed III. 

“I just thought, “There’s no way.” I was already doing my risk analysis on the film when I got the call. I was thinking, “What’s worth it? How much am I going to eat?”

Majors added: “No, literally, how much do I got to eat? [Laughs.] I’m in the movie for fight scenes, and I’m going to put my ass in. But to be truthful, I was moving on faith. Two alphas? No, bro, we both cannot survive. Somebody’s got to die. That’s the game I thought I was entering into, and he just kept saying, “I got you, bro.” I was like, “Boy, all right.”

Jordan chimed in saying: ​​”I wanted to make sure he was always excited about what he was doing, because I was. After having a conversation with him, I was like, “This is my teammate right here, somebody that I could push, and something tells me he’s going to push me, too.”

AP News also reported that Creed III has an 87% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences gave it an A- CinemaScore.

Comedian Chris Rock has finally responded to the Oscars slap, during his stand-up, “Selective Outrage,” at Baltimore’s Hippodrome Theatre, which streamed live on Netflix this weekend.  

“I’m going to try to do a show tonight without offending nobody. I’m going to try my best because you never know who might get triggered,” Rock said during his opening. “People always say words hurt. Anybody who says words hurt has never been punched in the face.”

After this reference to the slap heard around the world, Rock held all of his jokes about the incident until the end of the show.  

“You all know what happened to me, getting smacked by Suge Smith,” Rock said. “It still hurts. I got ‘Summertime’ ringing in my ears. But I’m not a victim, baby. You’ll never see me on Oprah or Gayle crying … I took that hit like Pacquiao.”

Rock opined that Smith’s violent response to his joke had more to do with something that Will Smith is dealing with.  

“His wife was [having sex with] her son’s friend. I normally would not talk about this. … But for some reason, [they] put that … on the internet,” Rock said, referencing Jada Pinkett Smith’s “entanglement” with singer August Alsina. “She hurt him way more than he hurt me.” 

But Rock doesn’t appear to hold any ill will toward Smith. 

“I love Will Smith, my whole life,” Rock said. “I have rooted for Will Smith my whole life … now I watch ‘Emancipation’ just to see him get whupped.”

“‘How come you didn’t do nothing back that night?’” Rock said people have asked him. “Because I got parents. You know what my parents taught me? Don’t fight in front of White people.”

Rock’s standup lasted just over an hour. He touched on several topics such as “woke” and “cancel culture.” 

​​“I have no problem with the wokeness. I have no problem with it at all. I’m all for social justice. I’m all for marginalized people getting their rights. The thing I have a problem with is the selective outrage,” Rock said. “You know what I’m talking about. One person does something, they get canceled. Somebody else does the exact same thing, nothing. You know what I’m talking about … the kind of people who play Michael Jackson songs but won’t play R. Kelly. Same crime, one of them just has better songs.”

Rock also spoke about opioids, Meghan Markle, as well as abortion. He also talked about O.J. Simpson and the Kardashians. He shared a personal story about his daughter getting expelled from an elite high school, and he talked about the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, and much more.

• News

by Booker Jones

March 5, 2023

Tyre Nichols’ Photography Will Appear On A Billboard In Palm Springs, CA

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Tyre Nichols had his dreams stripped from him. Nichols loved photography and had plans to shoot his way into a career—literally. Well, this weekend, a selection of his Nichols photos will appear on billboards across parts of California. 

According to the New York Times, as part of Desert X’s political art exhibition, some of Nichols’ photography will appear on billboards across Palm Springs, California.  

“We think about this as a way of celebrating Tyre’s imagination,” Neville Wakefield, the Desert X artistic director, said.  “He was an aspiring photographer, and in that sense, we’re commemorating not just his life but the creative potential of all lives truncated or cut short by police violence.”

Ben Crump, a lawyer who is representing the Nichols family, has also been instrumental in this project. “We believe in the mission of Desert X and feel that now, more than ever, art giving voice to important social issues is crucial,” Crump said to the New York Times. 

The billboard, dubbed “Originals,” will include six photos Nichols snapped in Memphis. The photos include a beautiful shot of the Hernando de Soto Bridge, a colored sunset, and a monument to Tom Lee, a Black river worker who saved several from a capsized boat on the Mississippi River. 

Wakefield organized this year’s edition of Desert X with Diana Campbell, a well-known curator. New  York  Times reported that it was the director of Desert X, Jenny Gil who showed Wakefield the website where Nichols posted his photography. 

“[This presentation] “contrast the serenity and beauty of these images, levitated above the roadways, with the violence that happens on the side of the road, particularly to Black and brown bodies,” Wakefield said. “And in so doing,” he continued, “we hope to make people think about the importance of traffic-stop reform.”

On Jan. 7, Nichols was viciously beaten by five Memphis police officers after a traffic stop. All five officers have been charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct, and official oppression.

Nicki Minaj got busy this weekend. After releasing her neck-breaking single, “Red Ruby Da Sleaze,” the Queens native announced that she launched her record label.

The Queens rapper decided to share the exciting news on her Queen Radio show on Friday (March 3).

During the show, which made its return after a nearly two-year hiatus, the self-proclaimed Chun Li also shared the roster of new artists she has signed, including Nana Fofie, Rico Danna, London Hill, and Tate Kobang.  

However, Nicki is making fans wait for the name of her new label, which she will reveal on the next episode of Queen Radio.

“I’m not gonna announce the name, but I have a record label now,” she said. “And because I believe so strongly in loyalty and because I spent my whole life giving to others that turned around and shit on me, Paddy Dukes is the first A&R on my label.”

Nicki added: “I’m not going to tell you guys the name of the label yet, right, but I’ll tell you guys that on the next show. We’ll do a next show pretty soon.”

Last year, Nicki first revealed that had plans to get into the business side of the music industry during her much-watched sit-down with Joe Budden. 

“The female rappers before me, I would always say they should have retired as moguls. And I would say, ‘Why isn’t there a female version of JAY-Z, who at that time, even when I was coming in, we could see that he was on mogul status. So I was like, ‘I’m gonna be that person, I’m gonna do that.’ Even what I’ve done, I haven’t done what I want to do, what I need to do, what I will do yet.”

“Many are called… but few are chosen.” – @nanafofiee 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 pic.twitter.com/oQ6ODFkGPh

— Her Network (@HerNetworkOnlne) March 4, 2023

… “RIDE” pic.twitter.com/cKQXx52DTX

— Tate Kobang (@1buttnaked) July 15, 2022

… “RIDE” pic.twitter.com/cKQXx52DTX

— Tate Kobang (@1buttnaked) July 15, 2022

It looks like Ja Morant got a little carried away this weekend. The stylish point guard took to his Instagram showing himself rapping and appearing to brandish a gun while inside a club. Morant’s actions caused the NBA to launch an investigation which resulted in a two-game suspension for the all-star PG. 

According to several reports, Morant will miss games against the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday and L.A. Lakers on Tuesday. 

Shortly after the fiasco, Morant issued a statement. 

“I take full responsibility for my actions last night. I’m sorry to my family, teammates, coaches, fans, partners, the city of Memphis, and the entire Grizzlies organization for letting you down. I’m going to take some time away to get help and work on learning better ways of dealing with my stress and my overall well-being.”

Nike, who has a shoe backed by the Memphis Grizzlies star also released a statement, via Shams Charanaia.

“We appreciate Ja’s accountability and that he is taking the time to get the help he needs,” the statement read. “We support his prioritization of his well-being.”

Last year, a 17-year-old boy alleged that Morant flashed a gun at him after a fight during a pickup basketball game. Also, some members of the Indiana Pacers alleged Morant or one of his associates shined a laser beam at them. After an investigation by the NBA, it was said that a gun was present.  But Morant wasn’t charged in any of the incidents. 

Jim Tanner, Morant’s agent, released a statement denying use of guns by Morant in the former cases. 

Statements from Jim Tanner and Keenan Carter on today’s Washington Post reporting: pic.twitter.com/hTYz4rw8UA

— TANDEM (@_tandemse) March 1, 2023

Morant was the second pick in the 2019 draft. The two-time all-star has led the Grizzlies to a 38-24 record this season, making Memphis the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. Upon his 2019 draft out of Murray State, Morant inked a five-year deal worth  $193 million. He also has endorsement deals with Nike and Powerade.

• Business

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

March 5, 2023

US Farm Agency to Distribute Discrimination Payments This Year

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On the heels of an agency-wide plan to address inequity in its programs, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said it will distribute billions of dollars to farmers who faced discrimination by the agency by the end of this year.

The Biden administration has pledged to repair the USDA’s fractured relationships with farmers of color. Historical discrimination in the agency’s lending programs contributed to Black farmers losing $326 billion worth of land in the 20th century, a study found last year.

The agency’s latest effort is the distribution of $2.2 billion funded by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to farmers who have experienced discrimination in the USDA lending programs. The agency will contract with vendors and community groups to administer the payments by the end of 2023, it said on Wednesday.

“These funds are yet another stepping stone in the long march towards justice and an inclusive, equitable USDA,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in a statement.

The administration is also issuing debt relief to farmers based on economic distress, which will disproportionately aid farmers of color, according to USDA data. But the administration’s failed attempt to target that relief by race, stalled last year by lawsuits from white farmers, disappointed some Black farmers.

On Tuesday, a commission set up by the agency recommended sweeping reviews and changes to USDA’s internal and external operations to ensure racial and gender equity.

USDA will select its partners in distributing the IRA funds by late spring, it said.

Meet Cheryl Brown and her 8-year-old granddaughter, Skye, the founders of Skye Monroe Skincare, a Black-owned brand that has been described as “the best natural skincare for kids on the market.” Their company focuses on providing quality beauty products formulated with nature and science to help kids, teens, and tweens to develop good skin care habits at an early age and ensure their skin is healthy.

Despite the steady emergence of beauty brands and skincare solutions, many of the products seem to focus more on meeting the needs of adults. However, Cheryl, Skye, and their team at Skye Monroe Skincare are looking to change this narrative by bringing quality beauty solutions to kids without exposing them to harmful chemicals and ultimately helping young girls feel confident.

Skye Monroe Skincare aims to “make children feel beautiful, confident, and healthy regardless of their physical disabili&es when they are looking in the mirror daily while developing a good skincare rou&ne.” The company is created as a 2 steps skincare brand offering the Aloe Gentle Cleanser and Hydrating Face Moisturizer, designed to work together to deliver fantastic results while being gentle on delicate skin.

Cheryl Brown was inspired by her granddaughter, Skye, to launch the brand, after refusing to use her adult skincare on her delicate skin as they spent time together during the pandemic. Describing her as the face of the brand, Cheryl decided to work on providing skincare products for Skye and other children. Cheryl leverages her background in the childcare business as well as a co-author of Basic Table Manners for Children and years of experience working in a multilevel skincare company and passion for helping children become the best version of themselves to create the Sky Monroe brand.

Skye Monroe Skincare will be donating $1 to Basics International in Ghana for every purchase. The school was established to educate and develop children living in Chorkor, Accra, helping them to have a shot at living a good life, irrespective of their background.

To learn more visit the company’s official web site at SkyeMonroeSkincare.com. The advocacy for good skincare routines for kids continues across social media, including Facebook and Instagram.

NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is adding another feat to his portfolio. The Milwaukee Bucks hooper is a minority owner after he acquired a stake in Major League Soccer side Nashville SC. 

According to ESPN,  Nashville Predators forward Filip Forsberg, and Giannis’ brothers Thanasis, Kostas and Alex are also minority owners. 

“Soccer is a global sport, and our newest owners once again reinforce our club’s commitment to being a global team,” John Ingram, Nashville SC owner said in a statement. “Filip and Giannis are not just amazing athletes — they are ambassadors for their respective sports, role models for millions and advocates in their hometowns and worldwide. We share a common belief that our teams not only play to the highest standards but also lift up their communities and help those who need it most.”

“[Nashville] seems like a special place; there’s so much that’s up-and-coming,” Thanasis Antetokounmpo said to ESPN. “And we kind of had the same journey as well. Like, we’ve really fought to be in the big leagues, to be there, to be acknowledged, and somebody came and gave us an opportunity. And at the same time, for us to not only give the sport of soccer an opportunity to grow but [be known] overseas as well. I want people globally to know about Nashville and see the soccer team. So it’s a thing for us. It’s big.”

Yes,  the Antetokounmpo brothers are elite basketball players with NBA rings under their belts, but soccer has also been a part of their life. 

“My father was a professional soccer player, and it was the first sport I fell in love with in Greece,” Giannis said. “I’ve always had the dream of owning a soccer team. When my brothers and I explored Nashville SC, we knew it was a team and a city that we wanted to get involved with. I couldn’t be more excited to join the Boys in Gold, and can’t wait to come to a match at GEODIS Park soon!”

The elder Antetokounmpo played professional soccer in Nigeria and Germany. Their brother Francis also played professional soccer in Greece. 

“I know he’ll be so proud of us today, that this is happening,” Thanasis said. “It’s not just the investment part of it. There’s a part of it that’s a legacy, that for us, it’s for generations to come that we’re part of this.”

• News

by Booker Jones

March 4, 2023

Former Football Player Eric LeGrand Launches Kentucky Bourbon, LeGrand Whiskey

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Eric LeGrand will not stop. The former Rutgers football player, who was paralyzed, recently launched his Kentucky Bourbon, LeGrand Whiskey. 

According to TMZ, LeGrand linked up with Brian Axelord, who has worked with Conor McGregor on McGregor’s Proper No. Twelve. LeGrand and Axelord found a distillery in Kentucky, and as the cliche goes: the rest is history. 

“I’m thinking this is about to taste like rubbing alcohol; it’s gonna be terrible. I took a sip, and I’m like, hold up, let me get a little bit more,” LeGrand said to TMZ. “I took another sample, and I’m like, whoa,” he said, describing his first time tasting the product.”

LeGrand added: ​​“I’m like, we got something special here. This is perfect.”

The former tackle also spoke about resilience and not allowing his disability to limit his visions. 

“A lot of times people see someone in a wheelchair with a disability, they think they can’t enjoy alcohol and other things, and I’m like, that’s totally not true, and I wanted to end that stigma.”

“I wanted to create a brand of something that represents me, which I feel like whiskey is the perfect thing that represents me,” LeGrand said. “It takes patience; it is something that’s tough, strong, and something that you celebrate life to.”

A portion of profits from LeGrand Whiskey will go to research centered on paralysis. 

“We have a purpose behind this. We want to raise money for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation to help us find a cure for paralysis,” LeGrand said. “Every case that we sell, $5.20 will go back to the foundation, because 52 was my number.”

LeGrand also owns LeGrand Coffee House, located in Woodbridge, New Jersey. LeGrand Coffee House includes a variety of signature and specialty coffees, pastries, and monkey bread from Balthazar Bakery in Englewood.