Akon, Jeffree Star

Akon Signed Jeffree Star To Be ‘Male Version Of Lady Gaga’ Then Slid To Cosmetics To Make $50M A Year

Akon is revealing new details about the millions he earned with Jeffree Star


Akon is revealing new details about his business relationship with beauty mogul Jeffree Star, whom he signed early in his career before playing a role in the rise of Jeffree Star Cosmetics.

Akon recently appeared on the Kid L Podcast, where he reflected on his career, the music industry, and his business ventures—including his work with beauty mogul Jeffree Star. Speaking about Star, Akon said he recognized his potential early and signed him as an artist he believed could reach the level of Lady Gaga.

“He was supposed to be the male version of what Gaga is,” Akon said. “He’s like the perfect story. We put out his records called “Prime Night.” First week, we did a million, we thought we were gonna go on crazy, but then it stagnated and it moved.”

Akon recalled that Jeffree Star kept promoting himself online, with his makeup tutorials gaining more traction than his music. Seeing the shift, Akon quickly recognized the opportunity and chose to invest in Star’s move into the beauty industry.

“I’m looking at the tutorials. Then I’m looking at the video. The video ain’t really moving. The music video I’m talking about,” Akon explained. “But then the tutorial videos start moving, jumping, 10 million views. I said, ‘Oh, we in the wrong business. We need to be selling makeup.'”

After meeting with Jeffree Star, Akon urged him to fully commit to the beauty industry, then traveled to China to lay the groundwork for what would become Jeffree Star Cosmetics.

“I went to China, started moving around with some manufacturers, found a company in LA that did it directly,” Akon recalled.

After launching in 2014, Jeffree Star Cosmetics quickly grew from an indie label into a global force, reportedly generating $50 million in its first year. Jeffree Star’s debut velour liquid lipsticks sold out almost instantly, fueled by his strong YouTube following and a standout formula. Spotting the opportunity, Akon encouraged him to prioritize beauty over music—a move that proved highly lucrative for both.

“We ended up not even doing music at all,” Akon said. “We ended up doing cosmetics with his line called Jeffree Star. We ended up doing 50 million a year on his cosmetics alone. Two months ago, he’s now valued at 2.1 billion.”

RELATED CONTENT: No Regrets: Akon Defends ‘Street Code Violation’ In Working With Tekashi 6ix9ine

MEDICAID, FRAUD,

Georgia State Rep. Karen L. Bennett To Pay Restitution In Pandemic Fraud Case 

Bennett resigned shortly after being charged, telling Gov. Brian Kemp she was retiring effective Jan. 1, 2025 but failed to give reason for her sudden retirement in the letter.


Former Democratic Georgia State Representative Karen L. Bennett was ordered to repay $13,940 after being charged with fraudulently obtaining pandemic benefits, Fox 5 Atlanta reports. 

Instead of serving jail time, Bennett, who once represented House District 94 until retiring in 2025, was ordered to repay the full amount in benefits she received in addition to a $1,000 fine and $100 assessment. 

Prosecutors claimed Bennett, a physical therapist, made false statements to receive the COVID-19 benefits through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program and federal supplements between March and August 2020. She claimed the quarantine mandates prevented her from working at Metro Therapy Providers, which she owns. However, attorneys allege the business continued to operate and generate income. 

Prosecutors also said Bennett failed to disclose that she was receiving a $905 weekly stipend from a church where she served as a minister. 

Bennett resigned shortly after being charged, telling Gov. Brian Kemp she was retiring effective Jan. 1, 2025, but failed to give a reason for her sudden retirement in the letter, according to AOL.

The Georgia state congresswoman isn’t the only elected Democratic official tied to COVID-19 fraud accusations. In January 2026, Kemp suspended state Rep. Sharon Henderson, representing District 113, from her duties after she was accused of fraud for collecting federal unemployment benefits during the pandemic.

Kemp’s decision came about after a review commission labeled the accusations of limiting her ability to perform her civic duties. 

Henderson faced indictment in December 2025 on charges of theft of government funds and making false statements after being accused of collecting $17,811 in unemployment benefits illegally, but she pleaded not guilty and was released on bail.

After her indictment, Henderson spoke publicly on Facebook, saying, “I was extremely confused and shocked when I was told by FBI agents that I was being arrested.” “All I could think was ‘what could I possibly have done?’ I was baffled. I have never been accused of any wrongdoing in my entire life,” she wrote. 

“I’ve never had any legal issues, never been accused of any crime, and I have never been arrested. I am 67 years old. I would never do this or do anything illegal!”

After Bennett and Henderson, Rep. Dexter Sharper, serving District 177, was also accused of fraud, with claims he allegedly applied for unemployment assistance benefits for April 2020 through May 2021.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Rich and Unemployed’ Podcaster Jonathan Dupiton Sentenced To 7 Years In Prison Over Unemployment Scam During Pandemic

LSU, law school dean

Gender-Based Bathroom Bill Heads To South Carolina Governor’s Desk

House Bill 4756 requires each school to have a single-user bathroom or changing facility available.


A bill requiring public school students to use the bathroom that corresponds with their birth sex was passed by the South Carolina General Assembly and is now heading to the governor’s desk, but critics label it as an unfair move for transgender students, Greenville News report. 

During an April 15 vote, lawmakers voted 77-31 on House Bill 4756, also called the “South Carolina Student Physical Privacy Act,” to accept Senate amendments to the bill, sending it to Gov. Henry McMaster’s desk to sign. The legislation says that public schools or universities should not use state funds to operate bathrooms or changing facilities that don’t comply with biological sex restrictions, in addition to requiring each school to have single-user bathrooms or changing rooms available.

Institutions that fail to comply with the bill risk a 25% cut in state funding. 

The bill, which also creates an opportunity for litigation against a school if someone is using a bathroom and sees someone of the opposite sex using it, has received support from other elected officials like Republican Attorney General Alan Wilson. Wilson, who is running to replace McMaster, praised the bill’s passing as a day-one supporter.

“Our state’s women and girls rely on the privacy of these spaces and the assurance that they are safe from any potential harm when using them,” Wilson said in a statement. 

“I am proud that South Carolina is taking this necessary step to keep men out of women’s spaces.” 

Rep. Nancy Mace, also a Republican gubernatorial candidate and vocal opponent of transgender rights, praised the bill, calling it “common sense” in a statement posted on her website. “Men don’t belong in women’s bathrooms. Men don’t belong in women’s locker rooms. Men don’t belong in women’s sports. This is common sense,” the congresswoman said on her website.

“I’ve led this fight at the federal level and will follow suit as Governor. Protect our daughters. Sign this bill into law.”

But not everyone supports the sentiments of the Republican leaders. 

Democratic Senate Minority Leader Sen. Brad Hutto says the legislature should focus on more important issues than bathroom restrictions, such as the rising cost of gas and the fast-growing pace of the Palmetto state. “We’re the fastest growing state in the country, we’re at war, we’ve got people paying over $5 for diesel, we’ve got all sorts of issues that we could deal with,” Hutto said.

“…And this is the most important thing we could put on special order?”

South Carolina Speaker Pro Tempore and state Rep. Tommy Pope called the move “sad,” according to WBTV. While he supported the bill, Pope said the point was to find common ground for everyone. “It’s sad to think that we’re in a situation where we’re having to legislate issues like this, that they just can’t be resolved that can accommodate everybody,” he said. 

“We want to respect that, but not to the detriment of every other I keep saying, female, male, female, every other individual on the team — their privacy being jeopardized, or their rights being jeopardized.”

RELATED CONTENT: Conservative Pundit Jason Whitlock Slams All-Gender Bathrooms At Kansas City Airport

Seattle Storm, University of Michigan Wolverines

Dominique Malonga Receives FIBA Letter of Clearance, Eligible To Play In WNBA 2026-2027 Season

Dominique Malonga of the Seattle Storm has received clearance from FIBA, making her eligible to join the team for the upcoming WNBA season.


Dominique Malonga of the Seattle Storm has received her clearance from the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), officially becoming eligible to compete in the WNBA ahead of the team’s May 8 season opener.

The French standout, selected No. 2 overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft, received her clearance letter on April 22, the federation confirmed to ESPN. The update follows a contract dispute between Malonga and Fenerbahçe, which had created uncertainty about whether the club would release her to play in the WNBA.

The mixup followed Malonga’s signing a three-year deal with Fenerbahçe in the summer of 2025, with the club later saying she “unilaterally terminated” the contract. The agreement allowed her to play in the WNBA between seasons, helping pave the way for her eligibility to be cleared by FIBA.

To compete in both leagues, players must obtain a clearance letter from FIBA confirming eligibility. The process requires coordination between FIBA and the WNBA, with each league requesting clearance from the other depending on where the player is coming from.

However, on Oct. 20, Fenerbahçe said Malonga, 20, had “unilaterally terminated” her contract without cause and signaled possible legal action. Days earlier, Malonga shared on TikTok that a wrist injury had sidelined her in a cast for six weeks. Just days later, she was announced as a participant in Unrivaled on Oct. 30 and played the full season in Miami, averaging 16.4 points for Breeze BC. Because Unrivaled is not affiliated with FIBA, she did not need a clearance letter to compete.

With Fenerbahçe’s season ending April 19 in a EuroLeague title, Malonga is now fully eligible to rejoin the Seattle Storm for the upcoming WNBA season. She averaged 7.7 points and 4.6 rebounds as a rookie and is expected to take on a larger role, especially with Ezi Magbegor sidelined for several weeks and rookie Awa Fam arriving late due to overseas commitments.

RELATED CONTENT: WNBA Will Play Internationally In 2027

ludacris, Rock the country, MAGA, Kid Rock

Ludacris Drops In On FAMU For His ‘Pull Over Challenge’

'Had to Gas up the Jet To PERSONALLY see FAMU’s @TheMarching100 who killed the #PullOverChallenge'


Atlanta recording artist Ludacris is back, and after initiating his #PullOverChallenge to celebrate his latest single, “Pull Over,” the rapper/actor pulled over to make a stop at Florida A&M University (FAMU).

The “Southern Hospitality” lyricist posted a video to his social media account revealing his visit to FAMU to check out the school’s Marching 100 band. As a way to promote his latest single, the lead song off his upcoming project, his first in over a decade since the 2015 “Ludaversal” album, he has challenged marching bands to match the energy and spirit of the song. The song sounds like it was recorded with a marching band.

Ludacris appears in the video clip to let his followers know that FAMU accepted the challenge and that he visited the school. Not only did Luda fuel up the private jet for the excursion, but he also brought one of the school’s best-known alums, film producer Will Packer. Packer is also seen in the video with the Atlanta actor.

“Had to Gas up the Jet 🛩️ To PERSONALLY see FAMU’s @TheMarching100 who killed the #PullOverChallenge 🤯🤯 BUT which college is NEXT?? Tag them in the comment section! 🥁🏎️💨”

FAMU answered the initial challenge by posting its rendition of “Pull Over,” earning Ludacris’ respect and attention.

However, Ludacris didn’t have to go far, as Clark Atlanta also answered his call, and he didn’t have to fly, since the hometown HBCU had already hosted him weeks before the FAMU visit.

Ludacris announced to the world in March that he had resumed his recording career while hosting the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards. He introduced “Pull Over” while performing a medley of his hits that evening. No release date for the album has been announced.

RELATED CONTENT: Ludacris Gifts 10 College Park Families At ‘Ludacrismas’ Event

NYPD, Arrest, body armour

Ex-Officer Arrested For Plan To Shoot Up New Orleans Jazz Festival To Harm ‘Black People’

A former cop out of North Carolina was arrested after his family warned authorities about his alleged plans to carry out a mass shooting against Black people.


A former North Carolina police officer was arrested in Florida after allegedly threatening a mass shooting at a New Orleans festival and expressing plans to target Black people, according to his family.

Christopher Gillum, 45, was taken into custody at a hotel in Destin, Florida, on April 22 after being sought in Orleans Parish on terroristic threat charges, NOLA reports. Authorities say he allegedly planned to travel to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival to carry out a mass shooting before taking his own life.

Gillum’s family first alerted authorities, reporting that he was armed with a Glock handgun and had recently made racially motivated threats targeting Black people. Deputies in Okaloosa County later arrested him at a hotel in Destin, where they found him with a handgun and roughly 200 rounds of ammunition.

During the encounter, Gillum allegedly told officers he planned to drive to New Orleans on Thursday morning, the day the Jazz Festival was scheduled to begin. Gillum’s arrest followed a rapid, multi-state investigation. Police in Burlington issued a bulletin to locate him, noting he was missing and potentially a danger to himself. Project NOLA alerted the Louisiana State Police after receiving a tip, and officials later tracked his vehicle in Okaloosa County on April 21 using license plate readers.

Gillum moved between North Carolina agencies in the years before his arrest. He served with the Chapel Hill Police Department from 2004 to 2019, later worked for the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, returned to Chapel Hill in a civilian role, and was rehired by the Sheriff’s Office as a deputy in January 2025. He resigned in September with no disciplinary record and had even been named “Officer of the Month” the previous summer for his attention to detail during a robbery investigation.

Jazz festival organizers have since released a statement thanking law enforcement for their swift response in stopping what could have been a devastating tragedy.

“Jazz Fest is grateful to all law enforcement partners for their dedication and exceptional service in protecting our community,” organizers said. “As always, we coordinate closely with the FBI, Louisiana State Police, NOPD, NOCEM, and other agencies, and we will continue to do so as we look forward to another safe and joyful Jazz Fest.”

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry praised law enforcement agencies for their coordination, saying protecting New Orleans has been a top priority since the 2025 Bourbon Street terrorist attack that killed 14 people.

“Since the terror attack last year, we take protecting the city very seriously,” Landry said. “We’re going to continue ramping up security to keep people safe.”

RELATED CONTENT: Louisiana’s GOP-Led Legislature Racing to Eliminate Job Of Exonerated Man Voted Into Government Seat

State courts to consider blocking Trump from 2024 ballot under the ‘insurrection’ clause

Trump Believes His 2019 Rally Had More Clout Than MLK Jr.’s ‘I Have A Dream’ Speech

Data from the National Constitution Center recorded an estimated 250,000 people came to the nation’s capitol on August 28, 1963 to march for civil rights before hearing King’s speech.


While taking questions from the press, President Donald Trump compared the crowd size of his 2019 4th of July rally to the crowd size of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous 1963 “I Have A Dream” speech, claiming he had “the exact same crowd.”

Trump opened up about the status of the construction at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. and the renovation ideas he has for Washington, D.C., including the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, calling it “filthy” and “dirty” and in need of overdue upgrades. “It’s not representative of the country,” he said, according to The New York Times

He held up pictures of the pool, which is more than 2,000 feet long, a historic site for many events like King’s speech that drew many people to hear. The president rambled about having the same amount for his 2019 rally, but also admitted it wasn’t even close. “That’s where Martin Luther King gave his great speech, and he had a million people, and I had the same exact crowd, maybe a little bit more, but they said I had 45,000 people,” Trump said. 

“I have pictures of Martin Luther King’s crowd, my crowd, it’s the exact same everything, but it was 70 years difference. The exact same crowd. I actually had more people, but that’s OK. They gave him, they gave him a million people.”

Data from the National Constitution Center recorded an estimated 250,000 people came to the nation’s capital on Aug. 28, 1963, to march for civil rights before hearing King’s speech.

This isn’t the first time Trump has tried to compare participation at his events to other Black dignitaries like former President Barack Obama.  

When the media released photographs in 2017 that appeared to show more people attending Obama’s 2009 inauguration, he claimed the media was being “dishonest” and asked the then-administration to hold them accountable. Trump’s then-Press Secretary Sean Spicer claimed attendance for his inauguration was “the largest audience to ever see an inauguration.”  

Even Trump said “it looked like a million and a half people” attended, but the figures added up to just under 750,000 people. 

Social media users used the same tactic and posted a side-by-side comparison of his 2017 inauguration to the 1963 speech, with one user asking, “Who wants to tell him?” 

Others showed concern about Trump even comparing something that happened so long ago. “Martin Luther King Jr intimidating Trump from his grave. What a weak & insecure failure Trump really is,” @peter_fox 59 wrote on X.

RELATED CONTENT: Events Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King 58 Years After His Assassination

Black farmers, USDA

How To Care For The Environment Beyond Earth Day


Annually, Earth Day brings significant awareness around environmental sustainability. However, specialists stress that true environmental change requires more than a yearly call to action, it calls for a shift in mindset and continuous daily practices. 

Protecting the planet demands ongoing work from individual and community participation, and policy impact across various social levels. A great way to kickstart environmental change is understanding how environmental responsibility extends beyond one day.

Reduce Waste and Embrace Reusability

Adopt reusable practices and reduce waste to decrease your environmental footprint. Use reusable items consistently across your home, workplace, and shopping activities. Implement the “reduce, reuse, recycle” model to conserve natural resources and decrease landfill waste and pollution.

Cut Energy Consumption at Home and Work

Reducing environmental damage through energy conservation depends on homeowners, renters, and employees. Regular actions, such as disconnecting unused electronics and using energy-efficient appliances, are essential. Properly managing heating and cooling systems in both residential and professional settings also reduces unnecessary electricity consumption.

The primary objective is to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and reduce pressure on energy infrastructure to fight climate change. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, building energy efficiency improvements represent the quickest and most economical method to decrease emissions.

Rethink Transportation and The Impact on the Environment

The public must change travel habits by choosing public transit, biking, walking or carpooling instead of using single-occupancy vehicles for daily commutes. Transportation produces a large portion of greenhouse gas emissions, and vehicle emissions dominate urban and suburban areas. The U.S. Department of Transportation states that cutting vehicle miles traveled produces immediate benefits for air quality.


Support Sustainable Consumption and Local Economies

Environmental health depends on consumers supporting sustainability by choosing eco-friendly products and local goods with minimal packaging. These behaviors should be regular habits rather than seasonal choices. As demand for sustainable products grows, companies are pressured to transform production methods and decrease their environmental impact. The Natural Resources Defense Council states that intentional consumer behavior creates systemic transformations in manufacturing and supply chains.


Engage in Community and Environmental Education

Community members, educators, and local leaders are encouraged to participate in environmental education programs, including annual cleanups, workshops, and public discussions. These activities occur in neighborhood spaces, schools, and digital platforms to educate the public about pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. This engagement is vital because it expands individual contributions through shared responsibility and informed decision-making.


Advocate for Systemic and Policy Change

Voters, activists, and organizations are pushing for environmental policies that tackle major problems through emissions regulations, conservation programs, and corporate responsibility initiatives at all levels of government. Citizens can engage in advocacy during elections, legislative sessions, and public comment periods to affect policy decisions.


Build Long-Term Habits Beyond Earth Day

People and organizations should move beyond single-event participation in Earth Day activities. Instead, they should adopt permanent environmental habits, such as composting, water conservation, and food waste reduction. These behaviors must become part of regular routines in residential, workplace, and community settings. While single-day initiatives produce minimal results, ongoing actions produce tangible and permanent environmental benefits.

RELATED CONTENT: NAACP Sues Elon Musk’s xAI Over Alleged Pollution From Southern Data Centers

Dreamerz

Dreamerz Collective Debuts Official Timberland Collab At Harlem Haberdashery

The Dreamerz made its collective debut with its custom Timberland collaboration.


Dreamerz Creative Group debuted its custom Timberland collaboration with a Harlem pop-up for New York City’s stylish community.

The Dreamerz Collective launched its partnership with the legacy shoe brand in its birthplace, Harlem. To showcase the new kicks, the two parties hosted an unveiling at the famed Harlem Haberdashery.

The intimate affair took place on April 10 and 11, boasting the limited-edition custom boots as the latest entry to the streetwear scene. The Dreamerz, as well as the city’s own tastemakers and trendsetters, made up their minds to head to New York City’s uptown to check out the new collection.

The vibrant colorways bring a new spin on the classic Timberland boot silhouette, marking the official debut of the transformed shoe that made the crew a household name. The colors take creativity and self-expression to new heights, with options labeled as Toasted Peanut Butter & Jelly, Slime Time, and Raspberry Cornbread.

The Dreamerz Creative Group’s co-founders, Justin Payne and Deisia Hopkins, celebrated the legendary partnership as they solidified the creative house as a dynamic force. First established as an Instagram moment-turned-movement, Dreamerz has further put their product collaboration with Timberland on the cutting edge of fashion and culture.

“We created what we wanted to see,” the founders shared with The Hype. “And the world responded.”

Their influence on the culture was also amplified by the placement of their activations at Harlem Haberdashery. As a famed locale for new waves in Black fashion, the boutique also made for a unique mashup of local landmarks and global brands.

Now, Dreamerz Creative Group plans to take its fashion vision to New York’s biggest runways. While it rolls out new apparel, accessories, and seasonal collections, Fashion Week attendees are expected to keep an eye out for more launches this fall.

“I’m not just building a brand,” Hopkins added. “I’m building legacy.”

RELATED CONTENT: Spike Lee Fronts Timberland’s 50th Anniversary Yellow Boot Global Campaign

Homeless,trump

Atlanta On Track To Shelter All Unhoused People In Downtown Area In Time For The World Cup

Downtown Rising is a homelessness program in the city that had a lofty goal to help unhoused residents before the soccer tournament begins in Atlanta.


An Atlanta program is working to meet its goal of providing unhoused people in its downtown area with stable housing ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

Downtown Rising is a homelessness program in the city with a lofty goal of helping unhoused residents before the soccer tournament begins in Atlanta. Thus far, Atlanta News First reports that the program remains on track to reach its mission of placing 450 people in permanent housing.

They aim to accomplish this by June, when the World Cup kicks off. With mere weeks left to get everyone a home, Downtown Rising, alongside Partners for Home, has raised the stakes for their cause.

“It’s almost the exact opposite of, ‘We don’t want to see you to I see you. Let me help you.’ And I think that’s really what the Downtown Rising program is about,” said Adam Hawkins, director of outreach for HOPE Atlanta, another partner organization in Downtown Rising, to ANF.

Since launching its mission, Downtown Rising’s outreach teams have connected with 20 to 50 unhoused people daily. For those who agree to the program, advocates work with them to stabilize their lives with a home they can call their own.

However, some are initially hesitant to take the relief. Despite these drawbacks, Downtown Rising remains committed to advocating for and connecting with people experiencing homelessness.

“We just keep asking the question over and over and over again, we don’t stop just because someone says today they don’t want housing, it doesn’t mean they won’t want housing tomorrow or next week,” added Hawkins.

The Atlanta initiative, however, does not want this opportunity to disappear once the games are over. Instead, they also offer holistic services, such as mental health support and rent assistance, that aid recipients in the long run. They not only ensure that these formerly unhoused people have a safe place to rest their heads, but also help them gain financial stability through city jobs.

However, combating homelessness in the city has remained a priority for local leadership. The city has developed numerous affordable housing complexes and programs, as Atlanta hosts over a quarter of Georgia’s unhoused population, as detailed by the Atlanta Mission.

The support comes as Atlanta gears up for the world stage with the FIFA World Cup. Ahead of the matches, the city has launched new developments, artistic attractions, and roadwork construction to ensure its readiness for global visitors.

RELATED CONTENT: Destiny Fulfilled! The Knowles-Rowland House Will Open To Combat Homelessness In Houston

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