This Year’s Super Bowl Halftime Performance Had a Mere 33 FCC Complaints, Compared to 1,300 in 2020
Another incredible feat took place at this year’s Super Bowl Halftime Show.
With a performance that was an ode to hip-hop with stars Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Anderson.Paak, Kendrick Lamar, and 50 Cent on stage, there were only 33 complaints to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
According to The Hill, with millions of viewers tuning in to the colossal show, the FCC stated there were only complaints from 33 viewers. The Hill gained the information as part of a Freedom of Information Act request.
That number is much lower than the complaints leveled at the 2020 Super Bowl Halftime performance. That year, Jennifer Lopez and Shakira’s performance generated 1,300 complaints to the FCC. Even the 2019 performance, which featured Maroon 5, produced approximately 50 complaints.
We may never get the number of complaints about a performance like the more than 540,000 complaints in 2004. That was the year of Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson’s infamous “wardrobe malfunction.” That incident left CBS and MTV paying a hefty $550,000 fine that was eventually dismissed.
Here’s a sample of several of the 33 filed complaints.
Addressing the outfits background dancers wore during the performance:
“So if 2020 wasn’t bad enough now we get to see a bunch of half-naked women sexually twerking.”
Another talked about the “scantily clad female dancers who belong in a strip club, not on national TV.”
“This is terrible entertainment for children,” was mentioned by another viewer.
“Sexual content of grown hip hop and rap [singers] grabbing their groin and genitals. So offensive to children, the elderly and families,” a Colorado Super Bowl LVI watcher wrote.
Another Super Bowl LVI viewer referred to 50 Cent’s appearance as “trash” that included “slutty looking women dancing near stripper poles” but they defended Jackson in the process of their complaint to the FCC.
“Janet Jackson performance was 1,000 times better and 100 percent not her fault,” the Chicago viewer said. “Glad Justin Timberlake wasn’t invited to the Super Bowl to this year’s show.”
Cayman Kelly of ESPN’s Monday Night Football Reflects on Success & Importance of African Americans in Voiceover Industry
Radio personality and voiceover superstarCayman Kelly recently opened up about some health challenges that forced him to slow down and reflect on his complex and fascinating career.
African American voiceover talent is a mainstay of radio, television, online programming, films and animation, with Black voices gracing and elevating every single American entertainment platform. And though Kelly knew he was a part of that tradition, frequent long weeks in the studio — often isolated from friends and family — kept him from really appreciating the importance of that role.
After spending some time home recuperating, the first Black voiceover artist of American sports radio shared some of his thoughts:
“Sometimes you’re just in a groove, doing your thing, over and over, and you can miss life going by,” Kelly said, according to a press release.
“I love my work — it defines who I am in many ways — and I’ve worked hard to carve a career that I and my family can be proud of. Making history is sometimes about just doing day-by-day the only thing you know how to do well. It is important to stop and reflect every so often — take some time to look back at what you’ve done and try to see that in a larger context. Maybe you look forward a bit too, asking yourself what is next. But as artists, we can never forget that we are an important link, a part of a longer chain that matters. African Americans in this business especially matter, because we’re continuing to pave the way for the kids who will come after us.”
Kelly also spoke about some personal friends in the voiceover business who have made a special impact on his life:
— Rick Party: “Rick Party is an on-air radio personality like myself who started doing voiceovers a few decades ago, and I’ve always admired his work from afar. When we finally met in-person, I found out what a great human he is as well. He was always willing to share with me, whether it was a kind word to tell me that I was doing a good job on something, or some tech settings to make my mic sound nice! I consider Rick Party to be my big brother in the industry.”
— Donovan Corneetz: “Rick and I adopted a little brother in the industry named Donovan Corneetz, who has already made a huge footprint in the industry. Corneetz can be heard on TV promos, trailers, commercials, video games, and more. In our talks, Donovan, Rick, and I found out that we have all voiced some of the same properties, but the cool thing is, we don’t view each other as competition. I think we are all of the same belief: ‘What God has for me, it’s for me!'”
— Gabe Kunda: “I also recently learned about a young man named Gabe Kunda, who I have to show much love to. Gabe is relatively new to the industry, but his productivity is impressive, voicing a ton of movie trailers, promos, narrations, and characters in anime and video games. Much respect to Gabe for using his platform to inspire young African Americans, teaching them that there are other life paths to pursue outside of the norm. Also, be on the lookout for newcomer Bryant Barnett, my mentee, who already has voice credits on some amazing projects, and he’s barely begun to tap his potential!”
Voiceover excellence: an ongoing African American legacy
Other great African American voiceover artists Kelly admires include:
— T.C. Carson: Originally famous for his role on the TV show, “Living Single,” Carson soon became a major player in the voice acting arena. Appearing in over 40 shows and games, Carson voiced Mace Windu in multiple “Star Wars” shows, characters in Afro Samurai anime and DC animations, and appears in the PlayStation franchise, “God of War.”
— Morgan Freeman: With a career that spans decades, including countless movies, animations, and voiceover roles, Morgan Freeman is an American icon whose work needs no introduction.
— Regina King: An Oscar-winning actress, King is the voice of Huey Freeman and Riley Freeman on “The Boondocks,” and Dynamite from “Planes: Fire & Rescue.”
— Phil LaMarr: With an absolutely massive footprint in the voiceover industry, LaMarr has covered over 250 characters, including John Steward/Green Lantern in “Justice League” and “Justice League Unlimited,” Hermes Conrad in “Futurama,” and providing voices for many video game franchises like “Metal Gear,” “Jak and Dexter,” “Darksiders,” “Final Fantasy,” “Kingdom Hearts,” and “Mortal Kombat.”
— Cree Summer: Beginning in 1983 on “Inspector Gadget,” Summer has a long and illustrious career as a voice actor for television, film, video games, and commercials. She is the voice of Susie Carmichael on “Rugrats” and has roles in “A Different World,” “Gargoyles,” “Kids Next Door,” and “Animaniacs.”
Primo Partners, First & Largest Black-Led Franchisee of Ben & Jerry’s To Win Operator Of The Year
Led by three Black men, Primo Partners recently became the first BIPOC-owned franchisee group to be named Operator of the Year in Ben & Jerry’s 43-year history.
Over the years, leaders Antonio McBroom, Eric Taylor, and Phillip Scotton have taken over the southeastern region of the United States with 10 Scoop Shops across six states. Being one of two Black franchisees with Ben & Jerry’s, Primo Partners has propelled its mission forward to honor their fight for racial and socioeconomic equity for marginalized communities.
The Big-O is the highest accolade a Ben & Jerry’s franchise can receive. As per a press release statement, the recipient is named Operator of the Year for demonstrating “excellence in sales trends, financial management, marketing, community involvement, and store operations,” as per a press release statement.
From left to right: Phillip Scotton, Antonio McBroom, Eric Taylor and Josiah Fisher of Primo Partners. Image Credit: Ben & Jerry’s
“This award is such a blessing,” McBroom, Primo Partners CEO, said in a press release statement. “I hope that Primo Partners being recognized in this way can serve as a testament for what is possible for others.”
Each year, Team Primo’s franchises have dedicated themselves to growing the collective opportunity for Black people by donating one percent of their revenue back into the community, according to the AtlantaInquirer.
They have also donated thousands of scoops of ice cream to many organizations, including those working to improve voting rights and issues in the criminal legal system.
The brotherhood of entrepreneurs also strives to advance generational wealth opportunities, while continuing to illuminate community work through customer service and engagement. These efforts have been made possible through partnerships with Habitat for Humanity, United Way, We Are, and the Kellin Foundation.
“I moved from scooper to shift leader to shop manager,” McBroom said. “Then I bought my first shop, and I haven’t stopped. Primo Partners exists to create opportunities for historically marginalized people. That’s how we’re going to grow generational wealth in our community.”
The award-winning news comes after Primo Partners’ ambitious efforts to promote mentorship. Last year, they started a DEI consulting business — which stands for diversity, equity, and inclusion — to support coaching programs for other minority businesses and minority C-suite executives, as per the news outlet.
Jay-Z, Diddy Among Top 10 Highest Paid Hip-Hop Artists Of 2021
In about 40 years hip-hop and rap have gone from the underground to the highest-grossing music today. That progress is reflected in the list of the 10 highest-paid hip-hop artists of 2021.
Former Forbes editor Zack O’Malley Greenburgreleased an independent list of hip-hop’s top earners and it’s full of notable artists who have changed the game but have also made millions outside the music industry in fashion, liquor, and real estate.
At the top of the list is Jay-Z. The Blueprint artist earned $470 million in 2021, selling percentages of his Tidal streaming service and Armand de Brignac champagne. Jay’s net worth is now $1.5 billion despite the fact that his last album 4:44 was released in 2017. Additionally, hip-hop’s first billionaire owns a stake in the Roc Nation sports agency, which is now signing international soccer stars.
Coming in second is Kayne West, who earned $250 million. West, who recently released Donda 2, but kept it off streaming services, made the bulk of his money through his Yeezy footwear empire. Coming in third is Sean ‘“Diddy” Combs who earned $75 million through ventures outside of hip-hop, including his Ciroc vodka brand, Revolt television network and other ventures.
Fourth place belongs to the certified lover boy Drake, who earned $50 million last year through endorsement deals with Sprite, Apple, and Nike and has ownership stakes in the Toronto Raptors NBA franchise and Virginia Black whiskey. Pittsburgh native Wiz Khalifa rounds out the top five, earning $45 million by selling a portion of his catalog and through his partnership with the River Rock Cannabis Company.
The bottom five are Travis Scott ($38 million), DJ Khaled ($35 million), Eminem ($28 million) and J. Cole ($27 million); three artists Tech N9ne, Birdman, and Doja Cat, the only female on the list, tied for tenth at $25 million.
The list is an indication of not only how the hip-hop industry has grown (in 2011, Jay-Z topped the list at $37 million), but also how major mainstream clothing, food, and technology brands have come to embrace the genre. In the early 1990s the only brands endorsing hip-hop artists were malt liquor brands such as St. Ides and Colt 45.
Check out these moneymakers!
No. 1: Jay-Z, $470 million
No. 2: Kanye West, $250 million
No. 3: Diddy, $75 million
No. 4: Drake, $50 million
No. 5: Wiz Khalifa, $45 million
No. 6: Travis Scott, $38 million
No. 7: DJ Khaled, $35 million
No. 8: Eminem – $28 million
No. 9: J Cole, $27 million
No. 10 (tie): Birdman, Doja Cat, Tech N9ne, $25 million
How Black Business Owners Can Save a Bundle with Tax Deductions
Multiple reports show millions of Americans—including Black entrepreneurs—launched businesses last year. The reasons ranged from people losing their jobs due to COVID-19 to individuals leaving the corporate world to become their own bosses. New business owners and existing ones may do well to start preparing their taxes for 2021 now, if they have not already done so.
A big change for most business owners and individuals in 2022 is the extension of the tax filing deadline to April 18 instead of the traditional April 15. Brittany Benson, senior tax research analyst at H&R Block, offered BLACK ENTERPRISE insight about how Black business owners can save money this year.
BLACK ENTERPRISE: What new law or tax break is in place that would allow Black business owners to save money or maximize their 2021 deduction?
For the last several years, many small businesses owners have claimed the qualified business income deduction (or QBID) on their personal income tax return. This allows individuals with income from businesses—other than C corporations—to deduct up to 20% of their qualified business income. Business owners will need to keep some limits on wages and capital in mind when they claim this and certain phaseout rules for those classified as “specified service trade or business.” Whether these rules apply depends on the taxpayer’s taxable income and if under the threshold. See more information here.
One exciting change for this year is that businesses can now deduct 100% of their meals for business purposes under a temporary increase in the limit, up from 50%. This 100% deduction is allowed for qualifying expenses paid or incurred in 2021 or 2022.
Is there any estimate you can provide about how much money businesses could save?
If they claim the QBI deduction, business owners could reduce their individual taxable business income by 20%. Depending on the business’s income and expenses this could make a significant difference for their final tax bill—depending on all other circumstances of course.
Are there any special tax breaks the federal government is offering Black or small businesses in general this year to help them rebound from COVID-19?
Most of the COVID-19 business relief opportunities have ended and new applications aren’t being accepted.
Still, small businesses with employees may have qualified for an employee retention credit during parts of 2020 or 2021 if they kept employees on their payroll during shutdowns or during periods of significant decline in gross receipts due to COVID-19. A paid family or medical leave credit may also be available for COVID-19 related circumstances. Self-employed small business owners may qualify for a paid family or medical leave equivalent credit for COVID-19 related circumstances.
Benson added QBID and COVID-19 relief can be confusing for small business owners. The website Block Advisors could help with these questions and more including payroll and self-employment tax. She says an article from Block Advisors includes a list of small business tax topics to keep in mind for 2022.
What is the next step to accessing these benefits? Is there a free H&R Block link or another online resource?
Our website offers more information about small business tax topics including ways to file.
Family and Community Demand Justice for Black Man Killed By Bounty Hunters
Houston residents are demanding justice for Walter Hutchins, a Black man who was seen on video being killed by bounty hunters in a botched attempt to execute a warrant.
Surveillance video captured Hutchins’ death in Houston’s fifth ward last Wednesday, Fox 26 Houston reported. Video shows Hutchins walking to his car on Liberty Road around 10:30 p.m. when two bounty hunters opened fire shortly after approaching him to issue a warrant.
The bounty hunters pulled up in two vehicles and blocked in Hutchins before jumping out of their cars and over to his car. A few moments later, shots were fired. Hutchins was hit in the head and later died from his injuries.
Hutchins’ family says he had no way of knowing who the bounty hunters were. Another local bounty hunter who viewed the now-viral video agreed.
There were four bounty hunters involved who told the Houston Police Department lieutenant at the scene they were attempting to execute a warrant when things took a dangerous turn. The bounty hunters work for an insurance company that funds private bail bond companies.
The hunters claim Hutchins shot at them first.
“They were here looking for an individual that they did spot,” Lt. R. Willkens, HPD said. “They found him over here inside of a vehicle. They approached the individual; the guy that was sitting in the car.”
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump and Bob Hilliard are representing the Hutchins family and held a press conference on Tuesday, Click 2 Houston reported. Crump called out the bounty hunters for opening fire on Hutchins less than five seconds after approaching his vehicle.
“It is clear, you don’t have to take our word for it, watch the video, Walter Hutchins was executed,” Crump said.
“In the African American community, we see far too often where you have the police unjustly kill us. They are the judge, the jury, and the executioner, but now we see these bounty hunters—these private citizens—judge, jury and executioner right there on the spot!”
Crump also credited Rap-A-Lot Records founder James Prince for speaking out against Hutchins’ death and helping to give the case the media attention it deserves. The rap mogul shared the shocking video to his Instagram page last week telling his followers about the bounty hunters who “ambushed” Hutchins.
Wendy Williams’ Ex-Husband Kevin Hunter Sues Production Company for Wrongful Termination
Wendy Williams’ ex-husband Kevin Hunter has filed a lawsuit against the production company that puts The Wendy Williams Show on air.
According to the New York Daily News, Hunter is suing the production company Debmar-Mercury of her now-canceled talk show, alleging wrongful termination. He claims that he was terminated from The Wendy Williams Show when he and Williams were amid their marriage ending.
In the court documents filed on Tuesday, Hunter seeks $7 million in compensatory damages, plus punitive damages and court costs.
“Kelvin Hunter was one of the reasons behind the Wendy William (sic) Show’s tremendous success and everything seemed to go south after he left. Mr. Hunter was unlawfully terminated solely due to his marital status to Wendy, which is contrary to human rights laws in NYC,” Hunter’s attorney, Abe George, told The News in a written statement. “This lawsuit seeks to compensate Mr. Hunter for the sweat equity that he put into the show and that Debmar-Mercury will continue to profit on even in their new reincarnation of the Wendy Williams Show.”
Last week, Radar reported that the embattled talk show host is reportedly upset over the decision and is considering legal action.
“She is considering legal action against her producers and is also deciding on what to do about Sherri Shepherd. Sherri was supposed to be a friend filling in for Wendy while she was sick, but instead, Sherri stabbed Wendy in the back. If anyone thinks Wendy is going to disappear without a fight they are a fool.”
Insiders say Williams is still keeping her ear to the streets and is reportedly ready to go to war with all involved in dethroning her from her daytime spot.
Shepherd has been given her own talk show that will air in the time slot that is currently hosting The Wendy Williams Show.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Shepherd’s program, which will be self-titled as Sherri, will be distributed by the same company that produces The Wendy Williams Show and The Nick Cannon Show, Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury. David Perler will have showrunner title duties on Sherri, as well as executive producing with Shepherd and her producing partner Jawn Murray.
Denzel Washington to Join T.D. Jakes’ International Leadership Summit
Two-time Academy Award winner and 2022 nominee Denzel Washingtonwill be speaking at the 2022 International Leadership Summit, which is taking place Mar. 31 through Apr. 2 in Charlotte.
The annual conference was founded by T.D. Jakes and brings together aspiring and tenured entrepreneurs, leaders and influential change agents to revolutionize the future of leadership. At this year’s event, Washington will join Jakes for a master class discussing Hollywood, faith and life in the spotlight, according to a press release.
Washington, who is also a producer and director, is considered one of the greatest actors of his generation and holds the title as the most Oscar-nominated Black man of all time. Washington has 10 Academy Award nominations under his belt, including one this year for his work in “The Tragedy of Macbeth.” In 2019, Washington was honored with the AFI Life Achievement Award, one of the highest honors for a career in film. At the 2016 Golden Globe Awards, he received the Cecil B. deMille Award for lifetime achievement, which is bestowed by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment.
In addition to the Academy Award nomination for “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” Washington expanded his directorial portfolio in 2021 with “A Journal for Jordan,” starring Michael B. Jordan. Washington has previously directed the films “Antwone Fisher” (2002), “The Great Debaters” (2007) and “Fences” (2016).
“Denzel Washington’s career is unrivaled — both on and off the screen, his passion for impacting the world shines through,” said Jakes.
“Denzel’s wisdom, business prowess, and ability to mentor and mobilize has indelibly influenced the world, and I am honored to welcome him to the International Leadership Summit.”
Jakes has spent the last 45 years serving and inspiring people on a global scale. In addition to his role as Bishop of The Potter’s House, Jakes is a philanthropist, an educator, a real estate developer and a respected leader in the international business community. The annual International Leadership Summit will provide visionaries and leaders with the tools they need to become “master builders” who can construct a solid foundation and revolutionize the way they lead in an ever-changing world. Guests from 19 countries have registered to attend the summit, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Namibia, Kenya, South Africa and Switzerland.
Other speakers at this year’s conference include Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, business tycoon Janice Bryant Howroyd, author and political commentator Van Jones, Pastor Joel Osteen, and other key figures in business, entertainment, nonprofit and faith arenas.
Registration for the conference is open at ThisIsILS.org. Attendees may join virtually or in person.
This ‘The Bachelor’ Contestant Says She Dropped Over $4,000 On Wardrobe For One Night
From Yale Law to The Bachelor mansion, 24-year-old Daria Rose says she spent over $4,000 for one night of fame on season 26 of The Bachelordating show—and she went home the first night there!
On a journey to find love, Rose was among a group of other love-struck contestants to get a shot with Clayton Echard. The bachelor, best known for his appearances as a contestant on season 18 of The Bachelorette, sent the young woman packing the first night, despite her efforts to dress the part.
In a TikTok video, the third-year law school student broke down the costly wardrobe pieces she never got to wear after she was eliminated from the show.
“Financial transparency,” Rose captioned the video, including hashtags #TheBachelor and #WhatISpent.
Rose’s introduction of the video noted that contestants were required to pay their own way on the show, which shocked many of her followers.
One follower commented, “no WAY they make you pay for your clothes AND makeup.”
“The audacity to send u home before we saw these iconic dresses,” another said.
Some of her other followers even suggested that she should have opted for cheaper clothing options such as Shein. In response to one of her followers, Rose explained that it “was important to me that my fashion choices highlighted a diverse group of designers,” as per Insider.
Rose’s night-one outfit cost about $600. John Fleenor/ABC via Getty Images
Rose stunned in a $200 blue Sandra gown by Dress the Population during her grand entrance, which she purchased from Lord & Taylor. She completed the garment with $400 white lace-up heels by Black designer Kendall Miles.
The rest of her wardrobe, which was recommended to pack for full six weeks, included:
Additionally, she spent another $800 on miscellaneous tops, jeans, athleisure, and pajamas.
To pair with her dazzling wardrobe choices, Rose spent about $600 on her hair and packed a month’s supply of makeup supplies. This totaled to over $400.
Nars foundation: $50
Tarte concealer: $30
Kat Von D eyeliner: $23
Anastasia Beverly Hills brow pencils: $23 each
Charlotte Tilbury blush: $40
Beauty Blender sponges: $20 each
Laura Mercier setting powder: $40
Pat McGrath eyeshadow palettes: $125 each
Huda Beauty highlighter: $35
Fenty Beauty lip glosses: $20 each
“The amount each “Bachelor” contestant spends probably varies a lot, but I’m not letting my investments go to waste. I’ll still make good use of the beauty products, and I plan on repurposing or donating the dazzling gowns,” Rose told Insider.
Former Boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. Teams Up With CGI Merchant Group For $250 Million Investment Partnership
Former boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. announced a new investment collaboration with the CGI Merchant Group, a commercial real estate investment firm.
According to Forbes, Mayweather and CGI made the announcement at the former boxer’s 45th birthday party. Since he stopped throwing punches, Mayweather has spent his time building a business empire that includes his ownership in The Money Team Racing (TMTR), which qualified for the Daytona 500, and Mayweather Boxing Fitness, which uses his unique training techniques for boxing-based fitness sessions. Mayweather Boxing Fitness has more than 6,000 franchise applications.
The boxer also empowers the Black community and the youth, promoting health, wellness, and education through the Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation.
Now, Mayweather and former New York Yankees infielderAlex Rodriguez are investing in CGI’s $650 million opportunity fund. The partnership is part of the boxer’s commitment to creating generational wealth and educating other athletes to achieve business success after their playing days are over.
“My focus is on creating generational wealth and doing it with partners that share my values and drive for excellence,” Mayweather told Forbes.
CGI’s investment portfolio includes the Gabriel South Beach Hotel and the Gabriel Downtown Hotel in South Florida. Along with Mayweather and Rodriguez, the group is now looking to spend $375 million on the Trump International Hotel in Washington D.C.
Mayweather is looking forward to his partnership with CGI and CEO Raoul Thomas.
“After getting to know CGI, I saw an opportunity to collaborate and share with other athletes and friends my ambition of establishing long-term wealth outside of sports through real estate investing,” he said according to Forbes.
Mayweather went undefeated in his boxing career, which began in 1996 and ended in 2015, finishing 50-0 and winning 15 world championships in multiple divisions, including lightweight, super featherweight, light welterweight, welterweight, and light middleweight.
The former champion is also an investor in several buildings in New York City, including One Vanderbilt, the tallest building in the city.
