Jayda Cheaves Hosts First Annual Jingle Jam Toy Drive Event in Atlanta
Social media influencer and entrepreneur Jayda Cheaves is giving back in a big way this holiday season by launching her inaugural toy drive event.
On Sunday, Cheaves took to Instagram to share the results of her first of many Jingle Jam toy drive events.
“Today was such a success,” Cheaves captioned her post.
“Thanks to my @waydaminbrand team for helping 💕 Thank you @jmcallisterevents for the beautiful decor 😍 and thanks to all the guests who came out and enjoyed this amazing experience with us it was every bit of perfect everybody left HAPPY. And that’s what it’s all about 🙏🏽”
In a follow-up post, Cheaves gave her fans a behind-the-scenes look at the toy drive event through her “vlogmas” recap.
“I promised y’all Vlogmas & I’ve been really executing with the help of @quanshotit and this fast turnaround time! Head over to my YouTube now (LINK IN BIO) we tryna get it back lit over on that side 😭”
The Atlanta community anxiously awaited the event that sold out all 300 tickets soon after it was announced, Madame Noirereports.
“So instead of doing 300 tickets we had to end up doing 400,” Cheaves said. “Just because — I’m like — there’s no way 300 people checked out that fast, absolutely no way. So we added 100 more tickets.”
After a successful inaugural toy drive, Cheaves is already looking to make the event “bigger and better” next Christmas.
“Everything was just how I imagined — even more,” she said.
“So I’m glad we got to experience this. I’m ready for next year already. And next year is going to be bigger and even better — it’s just amazing.”
Cheaves has been making bank as an entrepreneur since her teenage years. Many know her as the on-and-off girlfriend of platinum-selling rapper Lil Baby.
But Cheaves has also made a name for herself as a successful entrepreneur. She is currently a highly sought-after social media influencer and sells merch from her Waydamin line. Cheaves also stars in the BET+ reality show The Impact ATL.
Social Media Reacts to Rumors Lori Harvey Makes Men Sign $1M NDA to Date Her
Lori Harvey’s status as one of the most sought-after “it” girls on the Hollywood socialite scene garners a lot of gossip about her dating life.
The latest rumors following Steve Harvey’s daughter links Lori, 25, to Snowfall star Damson Idris, 31, Hot New Hip Hopreports. Elsewhere, it’s been alleged that Lori might even make her dating prospects sign $1 million non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to prevent them from talking about her romantic life.
“Lori makes [all the men] sign an NDA to make sure that whatever they talk about is personal and confidential,” a friend of Harvey’s allegedly said.
Additionally, the alleged NDA bans men from “saving any screen captures of their discussions or communications, including any video conferences,” they share with Harvey. The “air-tight” NDA allegedly prevents those who date the socialite from sharing any photos or text messages exchanged with the SKN by LH founder.
Amid news of the rumors hitting the press, fans and critics alike have been sounding off on social media, praising Harvey for what they deem as a boss move.
“Lori Harvey issuing NDAs with a 1M penalty to men before dating them is 🔥,” one fan tweeted.
“Seeing that Lori Harvey makes men sign NDA’s with up to a million dollars penalties before dating them explains why we never hear about her business,” one user wrote.
Seeing that Lori Harvey makes men sign NDA’s with up to a million dollars penalties before dating them explains why we never hear about her business.
Since ending her romance with actorMichael B. Jordan in June, Harvey hasn’t publicly dated anyone. Rumors that she’s dating Idris are just that and haven’t been confirmed by either party or through photos.
The Capricorn beauty is likely keeping her dating life private, considering the strong public response that follows her long list of famous exes. From Michael B Jordan to Future to Memphis Depay, Lori has plenty of reasons to make a man sign an NDA to date her.
Brittney Griner Enjoys Barbecue and Dr. Pepper With Family After Arriving Home From Russian Prisoner Swap
Brittney Griner is happy to be home after being granted her freedom in a prisoner swap with Russia. In the wake of her release and return to the United States, the WNBA star enjoyed food, drinks, and quality time with her family.
People reported that Griner was in Fort Sam Houston, Texas, on Tuesday after being released from a Russia detention center last week. Griner enjoyed a barbecue “feast” ordered by her dad, Ray, beverages courtesy of Dr. Pepper, and a haircut courtesy of the San Antonio Spurs’ barber.
Griner cut her hair two weeks before her release because she thought her locs would freeze during the Russian winter she knew was approaching.
“It’s very cold in there and every time she washed her hair she got cold and would get a chill,” Griner’s Russian attorney, Maria Blagovolina,toldESPN. “She should have waited until New Year’s Day.”
In addition to the time with family, Griner has already returned to the gym and was spotted dunking a basketball wearing Chuck Taylor sneakers.
“I think it’s fair to say that her picking up a ball voluntarily and the first thing being a dunk…it was really encouraging,” Griner’s agent, Lindsay Kagawa Colas,toldCNN. “She was really excited.”
“She’s had a lot of psychological support,” Colas said of Griner’s voluntary stay in San Antonio. “The resources are very robust. It’s very supportive and very BG-centered [Brittney Griner-centered]. It’s about her developing agency.”
On Sunday, Griner’s wife, Cherelle, took to Instagram to thank everyone who advocated for the pro athlete’s release from Russian custody.
“I’m humbled by their hearts,” Cherelle wrote. “To care for another, a stranger to some, a friend to some—is humanity in its purest form!”
“As BG [Brittney Griner] and I start our journey to heal our minds, bodies, and spirits—I wanted to personally say thank you to some of the hands; seen and unseen, that helped make it possible for me to see my wife again!”
Shannon Sharpe and Skip Bayless Have ‘Undisputed’ Argument Live On Air
Things got a little heated on a recent episode of Undisputed when Shannon Sharpe and Skip Bayless engaged in a discussion that wasn’t particularly cordial.
On Monday’s episode, while the two were discussing Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady’s latest game, Bayless repeatedly threw shade at Sharpe by reminding him that Brady is still playing at 45. Then reminding the former football player that at 35, Sharpe didn’t match the high playing level of Brady at 45.
In response, Sharpe, clearly agitated, jumped back at Bayless and reminded him that he is a three-time Super Bowl champ and in the NFL Hall of Fame. Bayless goaded Sharpe by stating that Brady is a better football player than Sharpe (although they play completely different positions on the field).
The intensity of the conversation was at the highest the audience had seen on camera. Many Twitter users and sports fans agreed with Sharpe since Bayless is sometimes known to get personal. His targets are usually LeBron James and Russell Westbrook, among others.
After Sharpe critiqued Brady for having a bad game, it seemed Bayless took it personally and went after Sharpe.
“Brady’s still playing at a high level at 45 when you had to stop at 35, that’s the point!” Bayless shouted at Sharpe.
To which the Hall of Famer responded, “That’s what you do. Every time I call something into question, I’m ‘jealous.’ Skip, I did what I did. You make it seem like I was a bum! I’m in the effing Hall of Fame. I’ve got three Super Bowls.”
“So what?” Bayless replied. “He’s way better than you were.”
“See what you do, you take personal shots,” said Sharpe, who had gotten so frustrated that he took off his glasses in disgust.
“You’re willing to take a personal shot at me to say this man is better than me because I say he’s playing bad this year?” Sharpe asked.
“You disrespect him. It’s beneath your dignity,” Bayless said.
“You would disrespect me to support him!” Sharpe stated.
This is embarrassing behavior on air from Skip here. And when Shannon takes the glasses off…we’ve all been there… pic.twitter.com/ntXvIFuFni
Black Woman Pharmacist Gives Back to Minority Students Looking To Study Medicine
This HBCU alum is using her success to support the generation of medical professionals coming behind her.
Dr. Brandy Williams, a proud Texas Southern Graduate, is one of the youngest Black female pharmacists in the Houston area to own her own pharmacy, We Care Rx, and with much success, has recently been able to make a generous contribution of $100,000 to the medical program to assist in Canadian Pharmacy enhancing the studies for minority students that are interested in medicine.
BLACK ENTERPRISEspoke with Williams via email about her journey as a medical professional and her efforts to support minorities in medicine who are pursuing like-minded goals.
(Image: Courtesy of We Care Rx Pharmacy
Dr. Williams and the road to pharmacy
“I am a native Houstonian who grew up in Sunnyside and attended Evan E. Worthing High School, graduating No. 3 in my class in 2001,” Dr. Williams shared. “I furthered my studies at Texas Southern University, graduating Summa Cum Laude from the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in 2007. I have been a practicing pharmacist for 15 years,” she continued.
“Science and Mathematics have always been my passion; because of this, my high school guidance counselor, Mrs. Sanford, suggested a career in pharmacy. After spending a summer interning at Baylor College of Medicine in their Pharmacology lab, my love for pharmacy was cultivated,” she added.
The We Care Rx mission
We Care Rx is an independent, family-owned, full-service retail pharmacy specializing in compounding, offering delivery and shipment services across Texas.
(Image: Courtesy of We Care Rx Pharmacy)
“We Care Rx Pharmacy strives to help everyone lead a happier and healthier life because, for us, you are family,” Williams said.
“As a pharmacist, I strive to provide excellent patient care with a heightened emphasis on exceptional customer service.”
Black professionals in medicine supporting minority students
Having medical professionals who support students pursuing their medical degrees adds a beneficial element to their progress.
“Our future lies with the next generation; as leaders, our mission should be to cultivate, equip, and pass the torch,” Williams explained.
“For this reason, I have recently launched The Nicole Leonard Foundation to facilitate that mission. A foundation geared to help raise funds, educate, and steer minority students in the right direction when it comes to medical studies,” she added.
Dr. Williams’ $100,000 contribution to Texas Southern
“My contribution was special to me because I’ve been in the position of trying to figure out how I was going to pay for books, board testing, and supplies. So, I wanted to help students matriculate through the program without a financial burden. I hope it will ignite a spirit of generosity and teach them the importance of giving back to places and people who have poured into them,” she said.
“Never give up! Dedication, perseverance, and exceptional work ethic will always prevail,” Williams shared in her advice for minority medical students pursuing their medical degrees.
The benefit of community access to minority medical professionals
“Representation matters; if you can see it, you can believe it, and if you can believe it, you can achieve it. We need more of us providing medical treatment for us. Our community is the most overlooked and underserved,” she said.
(Image: Courtesy of We Care Rx Pharmacy)
Future plans for Dr. Williams and We Care Rx
“A short-term goal for We Care Rx is to increase our scope of practice by adding sterile compounding and scaling the business across Texas. Our long-term goal is to extend our services across the United States, becoming a household favorite,” she said.
“We will continue to advocate for our community and future generations through The Nicole Leonard Foundation, providing scholarships, college tours, and career-driven site visits,” she added.
The Mother of Diddy’s New Baby Girl Has Been Revealed
Sean Combs made a revelation over the weekend.
He was hiding a secret but announced on Twitter this past Saturday that he has just had his sixth child (seven if you include Al B. Sure! ’s son, Quincy, who he adopted). Now, the world knows the name of the baby’s mother!
“I’m so blessed to welcome my baby girl Love Sean Combs to the world. Mama Combs, Quincy, Justin, Christian, Chance, D’Lila, Jessie and myself all love you so much! God is the Greatest!”
I’m so blessed to welcome my baby girl Love Sean Combs to the world. Mama Combs, Quincy, Justin, Christian, Chance, D’Lila, Jessie and myself all love you so much! God is the Greatest!
In the Twitter post, Combs mentioned everyone but the newborn’s mother.
According to TMZ, the identity of the woman who birthed Love Sean Combs has been revealed. The media outlet obtained the birth certificate, and the baby’s mother is listed as a 28-year-old named Dana Tran. She purportedly works in the cybersecurity industry. No details have been provided about how they met or how long they’ve known each other.
(Image: Instagram / @tee.hair / Screenshot)
After the announcement of their daughter by Combs, she deleted her Instagram account.
One thing Diddy does is stay busy!
Last month, the Revolt boss entered the cannabis game when Cresco Labs, a cannabis wholesaler, andColumbia Care agreed to sell their New York, Illinois, and Massachusetts assets to him. Once completed, the deal will be worth $185,000,000.
When the deal is finalized, Combs will be the owner of the country’s first Black-owned and operated, vertically integrated multi-state cannabis operator. This is his first investment in the industry. Combs wants to open the doors for Black entrepreneurs and other minority groups who are underrepresented and underserved.
This deal will add the cannabis industry to the successful Combs Enterprises umbrella, which includes Sean John, Capital Prep, AQUAhydrate, Combs Wines and Spirits (Ciroc, DeLeon Tequilla), Empower, and Revolt.
25 College Athletes Sign NIL Deal Under Wiz Khalifa’s Taylor Gang Entertainment
Aside from scholarships and stipends, college athletes are increasing their profits through name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals.
Wiz Khalifa’s Taylor Gang Entertainment company has entered endorsement deals with 25 athletes to promote Khalifa’s song “45 Minute Beatdown” on their Instagram accounts.
According to On3, as part of the agreement, the sought-after athletes were required to post a video of themselves dancing to the new track featuring Lil Uzi Vert on their Instagram Stories.
The Texas-based, NIL-driven A&P Agency arranged all 25 endorsement deals.
Yahoo Sportsreported that Khalifa’s deal indicates the first time a record label has stepped into the NIL space. These endorsement deals allow college athletes to profit from their talent, accolades, and popularity.
According to A&P co-founder Stefan Aguilera, the NIL deals benefit the players and provide major exposure for record labels and artists.
“Right now in the music industry, there is no better marketing tool to communicate to the college demographic effectively except for our athletes that have a vast following consisting of students and alumni, which we have developed over the course of our relationship with our athletes,” Aguilera said.
Aguilera co-founded the agency alongside Jacob Piasecki and was able to help facilitate the partnership with Taylor Gang through his network of old connections.
“A&P Agency is the optimal choice for the music industry, not just because we represent the best athletes, but because nobody understands the college market better than us speaking in terms of creative marketing,” he added.
Players that have landed NIL deals with Taylor Gang Entertainment include Florida A&M’s Darian Oxendine, Georgia Tech’s TK Chimedza, Ish Harris of Texas A&M, Camron Buckley from Jackson State, and Isaiah Bond of Alabama.
Recently, USC wide receiver Brenden Rice landed a deal with Centurion Lifestyle, a luxury car provider, with the help of A&P.
Reportedly, each athlete’s payment for their NIL deal with Khalifa has not been disclosed.
Elon University Alum Makes History as First Black Woman to Head a Short-Line Railroad in the United States
This woman is proud that the world understands logistics and her industry more.
Tomeka Watson Bryant, a standout softball player at Elon University, made history in May after being appointed the first Black woman to head a short-line railroad in the United States.
According to Elon University, Watson Bryant is the general manager of the New Orleans Public Belt (NOPB), overseeing the daily task of ensuring the short-line railroad is helping its clients keep their products and materials moving.
Bryant followed in her father’s career footsteps, who worked in the railroad industry for CSX for 41 years. Watson Bryant spent the past five years overseeing business development and customer service as the sales and marketing manager before she was appointed to her new role.
Her new role at the NOPB requires her to oversee and provide daily guidance for 18 managers and 174 employees.
“We wake up every day knowing the work we do is important,” Watson Bryant said. “But my number one priority is making sure all the women and men on our front lines are making it home safely.”
The NOPB provides haulage services to and from the port of New Orleans and other local industries. Starting as a train master, Watson Bryant worked her way up to her new leadership role, where her daily tasks include meetings, decision-making, forecasting, and coaching other managers.
“Our workforce feels comfortable with me because I’ve been here. They’ve seen my growth and all the ups and downs throughout my career, and they’ve supported me through it. I’m blessed and appreciate that,” she said.
According to Bryant, being a top student-athlete at Elon, where she was the first All-American player in the program’s history and the first Elon student-athlete to receive All-American laurels since the university moved to Division I, prepared her for the responsibilities with NOPB.
“The work ethic it takes to be a student at Elon has definitely helped me in becoming a general manager,” Bryant said. “From an academic standpoint and an athletic standpoint, I was pushed and challenged. In my day-to-day job now, I get pushed and challenged, so I definitely think my experience at Elon had a really big impact on my career and success.”
The Legacy Continues As New Edition and the Black Promoters Collective Announce Their New Tour for 2023
Iconic Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum-selling R&B supergroup New Edition closed out 2022 with the highly successful “The Culture Tour,” nominated as one of the Top R&B Tours in the country by Pollstar.
Selling out arenas across the country, the icons and The Black Promoters Collective (BPC) are happy to announce the 30-city “Legacy Tour” with a must-see lineup that includes a New Jack Swing reunion with Keith Sweat and the original members of Guy (Teddy Riley, Aaron Hall, and Damion Hall) and Tank starting on Thursday, March 9 in Columbia, S.C. and ending on Sunday, April 30 in Tampa, Fla.
Before offering to the general public, “Legacy Tour” tickets go on presale to American Express® Card Members beginning Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 10 am local time through Thursday, Dec. 15 at 11:59 pm local time, according to a press release. Tickets will be available to the general public on Friday, Dec. 16 at 10 am local and range from $59.50 to $179.50. Tickets can be purchased here.
Few recording artists can attest to a superior 40-year career that stands the test of time, but New Edition can.
“Few recording artists can attest to a superior 40-year career that stands the test of time, but New Edition can. When we partnered with NE [New Edition] for “The Culture Tour,” although I knew it would be stellar, their show exceeded my expectations; the guys were nothing short of miraculous. We are excited about partnering with New Edition to further the legacy of the foundation they have already laid,” states BPC CEO Gary Guidry.
New Edition hit the scene in 1983 with their iconic #1 debut album Candy Girl disrupting the music industry forty years ago. That same year, the album’s title cut knocked Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” out of the #1 spot on the Billboard “Hot Black Singles” chart. The group has gone on to win many awards, including BET’s “Lifetime Achievement” awards, and has one of the most highly watched biopics in music history, the three-part BET series: The New Edition Story, which attracted more than 29 million viewers. Comprised of Ronnie DeVoe, Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ralph Tresvant, and Johnny Gill, New Edition has remained one of the most influential R&B groups in the world for close to four decades. With a vast catalog, New Edition is ready to perform a host of new hits that weren’t performed in 2022’s “The Culture Tour,” giving their fans a whole new experience to tuck in their memory book.
(Image: New Edition: The Legacy Tour with Keith Sweat, Guy, and special guest Tank)
Keith Sweat entered the charts with his three times platinum debut solo album, Make It Last Forever, in 1987, giving the world its first New Jack Swing Billboard “Hot 100” hit, “I Want Her.” The song, produced by Teddy Riley and Sweat, became the most successful R&B song in 1988 on the Billboard “Hot R&B Songs” chart. In 1997, Sweat formed the group LSG (Levert, Sweat, and Gill – Johnny Gill of New Edition), whose debut album, Levert.Sweat.Gill sold double platinum and produced the hit song “My Body,” which became a platinum single, spending seven weeks at #1 on the charts. In addition to touring and making new music, Sweat currently has the #1 nationally syndicated R&B evening radio show called “The Sweat Hotel with Keith Sweat,” reaching more than fifty markets across the country.
Teddy Riley ushered in a new musical genre called New Jack Swing, which included the formation of his group GUY with Aaron Hall and Damion Hall in 1987. The group’s first album, the self-titled masterpiece, quickly spawned the Billboard “Hot 100” hit “I Like,” which, along with four other hit singles such as “Groove Me” and “Teddy’s Jam,” helped to propel the debut album to double platinum status. The group disbanded after their second album, The Future, citing the stresses of the tragic loss of their former manager. However, Teddy Riley went on to produce for the likes of Michael Jackson and Lady Gaga. In addition, he was instrumental in the rise of Bobby Brown’s solo career, creating the megahit “My Prerogative,” which Complex magazine says is the #1 New Jack Swing song of all time. The “Legacy Tour” will be the first time the group has come together to tour in more than fifteen years.
Gospel Artist Marvin Sapp Not a Fan of Kanye West’s Foray Into Gospel Music
Many artists outside of the gospel genre have released or been featured in gospel albums, and the actual gospel artists may feel some type of way about it.
Gospel singer Marvin Sapp shared his thoughts on rapper Kanye West and his transition into the gospel genre.
During an interview with VladTV, Sapp discussed how secular artists like West cross over into gospel music and create faith-based albums. Sapp expressed how he was not impressed with West’s attempts to dominate the gospel music space even though he has been awarded multiple recognitions for his albums under the gospel genre.
“Gospel music is the only genre that allows people from outside of its genre to do records and be nominated in its genre. As a gospel artist I couldn’t do a hip hop song and be nominated in a hip hop category,” Sapp said.”
According to TMZ, West made his first pivot into the gospel space in 2019 when he released his gospel-themed album, Jesus is King, deeming himself the greatest human artist of all time.
Although the album received criticism, it rose to the top of the Billboard charts under the Rap, R&B/Hip-Hop, Christian, and Gospel albums charts landing West a Grammy for best contemporary Christian music album. However, Sapp said he does not think it is fair for artists like West to be topping the charts under the gospel genre.
“Do I think it’s fair? Now that I think about it, it’s not,” Sapp said. “What happens is, it ends up eclipsing those of us who really do this for the genre and as a lifestyle.”
“It’s kind of wrong for me to say it like this, but I’ve been nominated for everything,” Sapp shared. “I’ve won more awards than most people will ever win. So I’m cool with that. Maybe I’m cool with it because I’m looking at it differently, but I can absolutely sympathize with up-and-coming artists when you look at Billboard and Kanye’s whole record is, like, [No.] 1 through 40 of our genre.”
“Just because you do a gospel song doesn’t make you a gospel artist,” Sapp said.
Sapp believes that when artists commit to being gospel performers and making music about God, living a Christian lifestyle is a part of that.
Currently, West ranks as the No. 1 gospel artist on the Billboardcharts.
