Nas Set To Perform During Emirates NBA Cup Semifinals In Vegas
He will take the stage Dec. 13 in Las Vegas
On the day after his latest project with DJ Premier, “Light-Years,” is released, Queensbridge’s own, Nas, will display his lyrical prowess when he performs during the Emirates NBA Cup 2025 Semifinals taking place on Dec.13.
The “Made You Look” lyricist is taking the stage for the latest installment of “Amazon Music Presents: In the Paint” in Las Vegas at T-Mobile Arena’s Toshiba Plaza. He will be performing between the semifinal games.
“Lock in with @nas as he hits the In The Paint stage live from Vegas on 12/13 after @nbaonprime 🏀🎤”
All Amazon Prime members will have access when the scheduled performance begins on Dec. 13 at 9:30 p.m. PT/Dec. 14 at 12:30 a.m. EST.
According to Billboard, people who don’t get the chance to watch it live will be able to view it online after the games are over on Prime Video, the Amazon Music channel on Twitch, and in the Amazon Music app. This show follows the debut of the “In the Paint” series where the Clipse performed “So Be It” on Dec. 5, which can be viewed on the channels above.
Hip-hop fans are anxious for the Nas/Premier collab, with the duo first connecting on Nas’ debut album, “Illmatic” in 1994, making it an instant classic. Premier blessed Nas with tracks that became “N.Y. State of Mind,” “Memory Lane (Sittin’ in da Park),” and “Represent.”
The album is on the Nas-helmed record label, Mass Appeal Records, which honored legendary rappers this year. There were six before this one, with De La Soul’s “Cabin in the Sky” recently released, Slick Rick’s “Victory,” Wu-Tang Clan Member Raekwon’s “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” fellow Wu-Tang Clan brother Ghostface Killah’s “Supreme Clientele 2,” Mobb Deep (featuring vocals from deceased member, Prodigy) ’s “Infinite,” and another rapper who is no longer with us, Big L’s “Harlem’s Finest: Return of the King.
Jamaican Tourism is Back: The Mouttet Mile Signals Recovery After Hurricane Melissa
Today, horse racing in Jamaica employs over 100,000 people,
Source: Jamaica is committed to the recovery of tourism and its people. Photo Credit: Supreme Ventures Group Limited
Tourism is Jamaica’s primary source of foreign exchange, contributing 30% to the gross domestic product, both directly and indirectly. The industry employs approximately 175,000 Jamaicans and serves as a major economic driver for sectors such as construction, banking and finance, utilities, entertainment, and agriculture. More than just a vacation spot, Jamaican tourism is the backbone that supports communities, sustains small businesses, and fuels nationwide economic growth.
That backbone was tested when Hurricane Melissa hit the island, sparking widespread concern among travelers and raising questions about recovery efforts. While the storm heavily impacted western regions, two-thirds of Jamaica — including Kingston and Portmore — remained largely unaffected, enabling the country to recover quickly and begin restoring its most vital economic lifeline: travel.
A Racing Legacy: Jamaica’s Long-Standing Sports Heritage
Horse racing has deep roots in Jamaican culture. The island held its first official horse race in 1816, starting a tradition that grew into a national passion. By the 1980s, the creation of Caymanas Park transformed that early history into a thriving racing industry.
Today, horse racing in Jamaica employs over 100,000 people, with each horse supporting the livelihoods of at least 50 individuals, including trainers, grooms, veterinarians, jockeys, and local vendors. The sport is both a cultural cornerstone and an economic driver, providing stability for Jamaican families across the country.
Weathering the Storm: Addressing Misconceptions After Hurricane Melissa
Following Hurricane Melissa, providing accurate information became crucial. Heather Goldson, Group Head of Marketing at Supreme Ventures Group (SVG), describes how they responded:
“You’re always going to face a situation where you’re focused on sending that message,” she said. “The reality is that we’ve been able to handle it. Kingston has not been hit… Kingston has been working hard to ensure that the West is supported.”
Goldson emphasized that many livelihoods depend on events like the Mouttet Mile. “I also have to think about my caterers, DJs, and small businesses who depend on this Mouttet Mile activity as well. So we balanced it… People are welcome to Jamaica. Jamaica is open for business… We have an incredibly resilient and forgiving landscape!”
The Mouttet Mile: Jamaica’s First Major Post-Hurricane Event
Set on the sprawling 200-acre Caymanas Park, just 20 minutes from Kingston, the Mouttet Mile Invitational is one of the most esteemed races in the English-speaking Caribbean. This year’s event, held on December 6, featured a record-breaking USD $250,000 purse, confirming its status as the region’s top racing event.
For Jamaican jockey Raddesh Roman, the race represents both national pride and personal achievement. Widely recognized as one of Jamaica’s top jockeys, Roman recently won the Graded Stakes race for three-year-olds, strengthening his elite reputation.
Reflecting on the significance of the Mouttet Mile, he said: “It’s one of the biggest races in the Caribbean, so I would be very grateful if I could add that to my list of accolades.”
He also highlighted the emotional importance of unity after the storm. “It’s very important… everybody came out and enjoyed themselves… I’m very excited about what is happening in our country, and we will rebuild.”
A Racing Ecosystem That Supports Thousands
The Mouttet Mile drives a huge economic ecosystem. Gary Peart, Executive Chairman of Supreme Ventures Group, explained the extent of horse racing’s influence.
“So Caymanas supports an ecosystem of about 40 to 50,000 people,” he explained. “When an owner buys a horse, a horse has to have a trainer, a farrier, and it adds on as you go along.”
Reopening quickly was crucial. “We were able to reopen very fast, and to start racing again… to put money back into the mouths of 40,000.”
Peart mentioned that the event required finding a delicate balance: “People are still coming back… We’re trying to find middle ground because the prime minister said, Hey, we need to get back to business.”
Reaching a Global Audience
The Mouttet Mile is also expanding Jamaica’s international reach. “This is our main event,” Peart says. “We partner with Fox Sports. We partner with NYRA, which is the New York Racing Association.”
The broadcast impact is substantial. “The first year, they only showed one race. Today they’re going to show three… potentially four or five million U.S. dollars in media value.”
Even more exciting are the new developments: “NYRA is now considering creating a race in New York where qualifiers compete to reach the Mouttet… Owners in the U.S. will try to win this race to come to Jamaica… The ecosystem will continue to grow.”
A Resilient Island Prepared for Visitors
The Mouttet Mile Invitational represents Jamaica’s resilience, pride in its culture, and economic renewal. As tourism bounces back, small businesses regain strength, and international interest increases, Jamaica is ready to welcome visitors from around the world.
The message is clear: Jamaica is open, thriving, and stronger than ever.
Give The Gift Of Glowing Skin With These Black-Owned Body And Skincare Brands
These aren’t your typical Xmas gifts
The essence of holiday gifting extends beyond typical gifts to include Black-owned brands that provide nourishment, rejuvenation, and restoration. The ninth day of BLACK ENTERPRISE’s 12-Days Of Xmas Holiday Gift Guides features Black-owned skincare and body-care products that focus on serving clean beauty and wellness to boost melanin-rich skin.
Buttah Skin
Buttah Skin, created by Dorion Renaud, is a melanin-focused skincare with hydration systems, vitamin C serums, and shea-based routines designed for darker skin tones. The brand started in 2018 to cater to the needs of melanin-rich skin that were missing from mainstream beauty products. Buttah Skin creates gift sets focused on moisturizing and glowing skin. It is highly suitable for gifting.
The company Topicals was established by Olamide Olowe and Claudia Teng, who work with dermatologists to deliver science-based treatments. The Faded serum from Topicals is their most recognized product, which addresses dark spots and discoloration. Topicals launched in 2020 and rapidly achieved the leading position for hyperpigmentation treatments both online and in major retail outlets. The product is a favorite holiday choice due to its clinical active ingredients and proven results.
Since 2016, KNC Beauty has led its consumers with self-care products, under the leadership of trendsetter Kristen Noel Crawley. KNC Beauty has gained popularity among influencers through its Instagram-famous collagen lip masks and retinol-infused eye masks. The masks are both fun and effective, which makes them ideal gifts to fill stockings.
The brand Undefined Beauty was established by Dorian Morris to provide clean, plant-based beauty products to all people. Botanical serums together with oils and wellness essentials deliver effective results. Undefined Beauty products serve wellness enthusiasts who want chemical-free skincare with high performance and are accessible online and at Ulta stores.
Oui The People is a brand that was founded by Karen Young and is disrupting traditional narratives in women’s shaving. Its products include skin-barrier-focused body glosses, serums, and sleek razors. Since the 2010s, the brand has gained traction by redefining body care beyond the blade. Oui The People’s products are available online and at premium retailers. The target audience is those who value soft, radiant skin.
Abena Boamah-Acheampong established Hanahana Beauty to market ethically obtained whipped shea butters and body care products from Ghana. The brand’s transparent practices focus on craftsmanship and clean ingredients have gained online popularity through clean beauty marketplaces.
The skincare brand Bolden was founded by sisters Chinelo Chidozie and Ndidi Obidoa to create daily skincare essentials, including brightening toners and moisturizers and SPF products, designed for melanin. In 2015, Bolden extended its operations to mass retail markets to expand its customer base. The brand provides affordable skincare solutions that deliver consistent results.
Dr. Anne Beal established Absolute Joi as a brand that delivers dermatologist-developed skin care solutions for melanin-rich sensitive skin. The brand offers gentle serums together with moisturizers and SPF products which help restore skin balance while achieving clarity. Absolute Joi launched as a clinical solution for skin types that lacked proper care and now sells products through their online store and specific retail locations. The brand serves clients with sensitive skin who need fragrance-free formulas that deliver effective results.
The luxurious body butter and botanical skincare brand 54 Thrones was established by Christina Funke Tegbe. It draws its inspiration from African beauty traditions. The brand’s products deliver a sensorially rich experience that connects customers to their cultural heritage through ancestral ingredients. Through clean beauty retailers and celebrity endorsements, 54 Thrones has earned consumer affection and now sells its products through online platforms as well as Sephora and Nordstrom stores.
Sheanut Organix is a clean organic beauty brand founded by Leara Brown, which provides chemical-free skincare and haircare solutions for people with acne, eczema, alopecia, and other sensitivities. The brand website sells the natural formulation products to consumers who want relief and they make ideal gifts for people who need gentle therapeutic alternatives.
Lautir Beauty
Shvona Chung founded Lautir Beauty. The brand encourages minimalist clean-beauty routines through their high-performance essential productsb which include serums along with cleansers and moisturizers. The brand serves customers who want clean and elevated skincare solutions for their daily routine.
KED Cosmetics operates as a black-owned beauty brand that specializes in creating bold makeup products designed for melanin-rich skin. The brand provides high-pigment color cosmetics, lip products, and complexion shades that serve deeper skin tones. The main goal of KED Cosmetics is to address the missing color range options found in mainstream makeup products.
The brand Hyper Skin, founded by Desiree, tackles hyperpigmentation head-on. Their vitamin C and fruit acid-based brightening serums have become popular because they specifically target the primary skin issue that impacts melanin: dark spots. You can find Hyper Skin products through their website and specific retail locations, which makes them an ideal present for people who struggle with uneven skin tone or post-acne marks.
Break Out Those Cartridges: Old School Games Might Be Better For Your Health
Many modern titles draw players into extended sessions by focusing on performance ranking and psychological resilience rather than simple, goal-oriented challenges.
A recent Newsweek article explored how classic game titles emphasized skill building and finite goals, while many current games focus on continuous play, psychological engagement, and maximizing in-game purchases.
Melissa Gallagher, a licensed clinical social worker, spoke about the origins of games, which tended to offer “bounded entertainment experiences,” with clear beginnings, endings, and natural stopping points. Those structures encouraged social play, outdoor activity, and moments free of persistent pressure. Additionally, Gallagher described the contrast between older games and recent designs, telling Newsweek that earlier titles “reinforced healthy boundaries and confidence.”
Gallagher also said that many modern titles draw players into extended sessions by focusing on performance ranking and psychological resilience rather than simple, goal-oriented challenges.
“A great deal are built to track, exploit, and addict,” Veronica Lichtenstein, a mental health practitioner, said. Those structural differences, some psychologists suggest, may influence how children approach attention, competition, and leisure time.
At the same time, scientific research on how video gaming and screen time affect children’s mental health and mental development remains complex. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that nearly one-third of children beginning around age 11 showed signs of addictive behaviors related to technology use. The technology used ranges from multiple online media, including video gaming, social media, and mobile phones. Those patterns were linked with increased rates of mental health problems, such as anxiety and conduct issues, compared with peers with lower levels of compulsive technology use.
Furthermore, the JAMA study indicates that harmful effects are not tied to screen time itself but rather to addictive patterns like cravings and impulse control. These patterns affect sleep patterns, school performance, and emotional regulation.
As families and caregivers navigate decisions about gaming and screen habits, experts recommend moderation and a balanced daily routine that includes physical activity, sleep, and social interaction.
Former NFL Players Marshawn Lynch, Michael Robinson Partner With AI Sports Betting Platform, Pine Sports
'This tech is real. Fans want quick, smart answers. They want to know what matters before the game starts. That’s what Pine delivers,' said Robinson
Former NFL players Marshawn Lynch and Michael Robinson, who co-host the Get GotPodcast, have announced a partnership with Pine Sports. This platform uses artificial intelligence (AI) for sports bettors and fantasy players.
According to AfroTech, the partnership makes Pine Sports the official AI partner of Lynch and Robinson’s podcast, with Pine Sports featured across the show’s segments and conversations, including its live events.
Pine Sports launched in 2020 and has been growing its community of bettors and fantasy players by using artificial intelligence to enhance the platform. Pine has a proprietary large language model, Jaxon, similar to OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Rather than being used as a general-purpose tool like ChatGPT, the functionality was designed specifically for sports betting and fantasy.
Jaxon was beta-launched last year and is trained specifically on Pine’s sports data and live markets, blending data, sportsbook integrations, and advanced analytics to deliver the information needed within seconds.
“This is dope, it’s taken me a minute to fully grasp all that AI can do and be, but this right here… is a no-brainer,” Marshawn Lynch said in a written statement. “I see what Pine’s doing with Jaxon, and I’m with it. Why wouldn’t you use something that helps you play smarter, ya’ know what I mean?”
Robinson had praise for the partnership and said, “This tech is real. Fans want quick, smart answers. They want to know what matters before the game starts. That’s what Pine delivers.”
Other individuals in the investor group include basketball coach Kevin O’Neill and former NFL players Ryan Leaf, Jonathan Stewart, and Tre Boston.
“Jaxon is for sports fans who want an edge without getting buried in spreadsheets,” said Pine Sports CEO Ryan Murphy. “Marshawn and Mike bring authenticity, reach, and most importantly, a connection to the everyday fan who deserves the smartest tools.”
The “Get Got Podcast” is released every Thursday on all major podcast platforms.
DOJ Sues Minneapolis Schools Over Layoff Protections For Teachers Of Color
The DOJ is asking the courts to enter a permanent injunction against MPS to stop the district from implementing similar provisions.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) over layoff protections for teachers of color. The DOJ alleges that the school district is discriminating against teachers based on their race, gender, and national origin.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, targets MPS’s 2022 collective bargaining agreement with the local teachers’ union. According to the complaint, the agreement prioritizes teachers who are members of an “underrepresented population” in employment decisions and “Black Men Teach Fellows” for certain employment benefits, terms, and conditions.
“Discrimination is unacceptable in all forms, especially when it comes to hiring decisions,” Attorney General Pamela Bondi wrote in a statement. “Our public education system in Minnesota and across the country must be a bastion of merit and equal opportunity. Not DEI.”
What To Know About the Minneapolis Schools’ Layoff Protections
In the agreement, protections were put in place to prevent teachers from underrepresented backgrounds from being laid off. While the contract did not eliminate seniority, protections were put in place due to “past discrimination by the district.”
“The research literature is very clear: teachers of color have a positive impact not only on students of color but also on white students,” Dr. Katie Pekel, executive director of educational leadership at the University of Minnesota, told the local news outlet at the time.
In the DOJ lawsuit, the complaint seeks a court declaration that MPS’s practices are discriminatory. The DOJ is also asking the courts to enter a permanent injunction against MPS to stop the district from implementing similar provisions.
“Employers may not provide more favorable terms and conditions of employment based on an employee’s race and sex,” Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon in the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, added. “The Department of Justice will vigorously pursue employers who deny their employees equal opportunities and benefits by classifying and limiting them based on their race, color, national origin, or sex.”
Joy Reid Says Stephen A. Smith Gets Paid For The ‘Nasty Things’ He Says About Black Women
Joy Reid joined Rep. Jasmine Crockett in calling out Stephen A. Smith for his repeated attacks against Black women.
Joy Reid fired back at Stephen A. Smith’s for his remarks about her MSNBC exit, saying he unfairly criticizes Black women for the entertainment of white audiences.
Months after Smith blamed Reid’s February MSNBC firing on her ratings, Reid addressed his pattern of criticism on Naked Sports with Cari Champion.
She highlighted Smith’s recent targets—Michelle Obama, Champion, Jemele Hill, and Rep. Jasmine Crockett—and challenged him to show the same intensity toward his longtime rival, Michelle Beadle, who is white, as he does toward Black women.
“They’re paying you, not for your number, my friend. They’re paying you because you are willing to say the nasty things about Black people that they want to say,” Reid said of Smith’s media deals. “You’re willing to take their denigration of Black women and put it in the mouth of a Negro. And because you’re willing to put the denigration of Black women in particular into a Negro’s mouth, you now think that ‘Oh, I must be a freaking political genius.’ But just be clear, you’re not being paid for your numbers, you’re being paid for what you’re willing to do to us for white people’s entertainment.”
@carichampion Part 1 of 2. The conversation deserves 2 episodes. On this episode of NakedSports- @Joy Ann Reid joins me to discuss all things- her time after MSNBC. Her thoughts on where we are headed as a country. She also shares her thoughts on the #Diddy documentary! And lastly- her words for Stephen A Smith. She said what she said. @Black Effect Podcast Network ♬ original sound – championcari
“He said I got fired for ratings, and I’m like, ‘Excuse me, sir. You got 100 million dollars for a show with half my ratings at my worst,'” Reid quipped. “I had to literally Google his numbers. I’m like, ‘How many people listen to his show? Is it like 4 million people?’ Dude, that’s like average CNN. That’s not that high.”
Reid’s remarks came weeks after he responded to popular sports radio host Dan Le Batard’s claim that Smith was being “used as a very useful tool by the right.”
“I’m very aware of what’s going on, I just don’t care as much as you do, Dan Le Batard,” Smith said on an episode of his Sirius XM show, Straight Shooter. “I don’t care as much as other people might care because guess what, I don’t feel the way that you feel, and I don’t share your politics.”
New Jersey House Fire Victim Dies Nearly 2 Weeks After Daughters Died Saving Him
Frantz was rescued from the burning home by his daughters after a fire broke out on Nov. 27.
Frantz Fleury, the New Jersey man rescued from a Thanksgiving day house fire by his late daughters, died Monday, Dec. 8, from smoke inhalation. He was 78.
Frantz, who was in a wheelchair and suffered from dementia, was pulled from the house by his daughters. Frantzia Fleury, 49, and Pojanee “PJ” Fleury, 42, died after re-entering the home on Mosswood Avenue in Orange.
The sisters, both mothers to one child each, were pronounced dead at the scene after they failed to escape the blaze. Frantz was taken to a nearby hospital.
In their updated statement on GoFundMe, the family wrote, “It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that yesterday, Frantz—Irmisse’s husband, father to Frantzia and PJ, grandfather to Genesis and Nathaniel, father-in-law to Joshua, and uncle to me and many of our cousins, passed away in the hospital. He is now at peace and reunited with his two beloved daughters.”
The fire started around 5 p.m. while the family was gathered for Thanksgiving. Seven other family members escaped without life-threatening injuries.
Neighbors, family, and friends praised the sisters’ courage. According to a family member, Frantzia was a Marine Corps veteran turned X-ray technician, while Pojanee was starting her own media company.
“They ran back in to save their father,” a resident told ABC7. “That is love in its purest form.” Added a cousin of the sisters, “These two women had big hearts. They were very deeply devoted to their families. And it’s just a tragedy.”
A funeral service for the three family members is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 12.
The family is close to meeting their goal of $60,000 to help pay for funeral costs and rebuilding the lost home. To donate, click here.
On Dec. 3, the top AI platform unveiled its People-First AI Fund, pledging $40.5 million in unrestricted grants to 208 U.S. nonprofits that strengthen communities while advancing AI use. The first round of funds will be distributed by year’s end, with an additional $9.5 million in board-directed grants to be announced in the coming months.
“The People-First AI Fund reflects our commitment to supporting a wide range of organizations advancing work that strengthens communities and expands opportunity,” said Bret Taylor, chair of the OpenAI Foundation Board. “We’re proud to support this first group of grantees and to continue work that is mission-driven and responsive to the people it exists to serve.”
Nearly 3,000 U.S.-based organizations applied to the fund between Sept. 8 and Oct. 8, which the tech giant said highlights both the demand for support and the eagerness of community groups to shape how AI benefits their work and communities.
Through the People-First AI Fund, OpenAI seeks to back nonprofits driving transformative AI initiatives in areas like health, reflecting the fund’s commitment to people-first values and public impact.
The first 18 grant recipients serve communities spanning rural and urban areas. They include national networks for news literacy and veteran support, youth-led initiatives in the Midwest, faith-based groups in the South, rural development programs in California’s Central Valley, and Native-led media and STEM education projects in the Southwest.
Through the People-First AI Fund, OpenAI aims to support community organizations offering forms of AI literacy, public education, innovation, economic opportunity, and transformative programs. By providing flexible, unrestricted funding, it aims to tackle the priorities that communities identify as most important.
“Thank you to the community leaders who helped shape this Fund. We’re committed to learning side-by-side with grantees, sharing insights, and continuing to support efforts that improve people’s lives,” the foundation said.
Tourists From 42 Countries May Have To Submit 5 Years Of Social Media Content To Visit The U.S.
Since taking over the White House a second time, President Donald Trump and his team have focused on criticism spread on social media.
The Trump administration wants visitors from 42 countries enrolled in the United States’ visa waiver program to submit personal information, in addition to five years of social media history, so they can enjoy visa-free travel to the U.S., CBS News reports.
The information came from a notice shared by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Countries enrolled in the visa waiver program, which permits visitors coming to the U.S. to stay for up to 90 days for business or pleasure without having to apply for a visa, include European countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, and allies such as Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea.
Visitors will still be required to submit an application online under the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) process designed to guarantee applicants are eligible for visa-free travel to the U.S. and don’t pose a security threat.
Changes are still subject to review by the White House’s budget office but are designed to align an executive order President Donald Trump issued in early 2025 with the goal of denying entry to foreigners who may be seen as a threat to national security or public safety.
The Trump administration seems to think social media is the way to spot such people.
Since taking over the White House a second time, Trump and his team have zeroed in on criticism spread on social media, targeting political takes from foreign college students and professionals. According to The Hill, a French scholar was denied U.S. entry for posting critical messages about the administration’s research policies. Soon after, the student was deported to Europe.
In April, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced the social media accounts of applicants flagged for antisemitic content would be considered grounds for immigration benefits denial. Months later, the State Department projected foreign student visa applicants would be required to make their social media accounts public for vetting or risk being denied entry to the U.S.
To date, eligible foreign tourists are permitted to visit the U.S. for 90 days without a visa, but not without obtaining the $40 electronic travel authorization.
Critics feel the proposed changes will do more harm than good, scaring potential travelers and negatively impacting tourism ahead of the United States hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup along with Canada and Mexico.
