Los Angeles Laker Kyle Kuzma Inks $20 Million Deal with Puma
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 7, 2019

Los Angeles Laker Kyle Kuzma Inks $20 Million Deal with Puma

According to ESPN, Los Angeles Laker Kyle Kuzma signed a five-year deal with Puma. The deal is purportedly worth over $20 million.

The third-year player wore Nike his first two seasons before switching up to the current Puma sneakers. Kuzma’s previous two-year sneaker deal with Nike paid him $25,000 per year. Before signing with the sneaker company, Kuzma was also a brand ambassador for GOAT, a sneaker marketplace, and Boku, a health food company. Currently, Kuzma is injured with a stress reaction in his leg that will keep him out of the Lakers’ training camp. He is anticipated to be the Lakers’ third star behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Y’all about to get hella workout and fit pics until I get back healthy 🤣🤣🤣 good win boys @lakers

A post shared by Kyle Kuzma (@kuz) on

“The No. 1 thing I was trying to look for was a little bit more control, a little bit more freedom to do certain things. Not to be restricted from an idea standpoint,” Kuzma said, reports ESPN. “Having a brand fully commit to me and see that I have visions too —that could work out well for the brand and me as well. Puma was that.”

“The addition of Kyle to our expanding hoops roster is a huge step for our brand,” said Adam Petrick, Puma global director of brand and marketing.

Kuzma also mentions his relationship with slain rapper, Nipsey Hussle (Ermias Joseph Asghedom) and his decision to choose Puma, which recently released The Marathon Continues Collection. “Ever since that moment, trying to carry on that marathon and that type of symbolism, it kind of meant a lot to me,” said Kuzma, who has a “TMC” flag tattoo on his arm. “I wanted to go to Puma, not only for everything that I’ve got going on but to do some things within this community like Nip did.”

The sneaker giant welcomed their latest addition to its roster on the company’s Twitter account, “KUZ CONTROL ON. WELCOME TO THE FAM.”

With the latest signing, Kuzma joins other Laker teammates Danny Green and DeMarcus Cousins, along with Phoenix Suns’ Deandre Ayton, Sacramento Kings’ Marvin Bagley III, San Antonio Spurs’ Rudy Gay, New York Knicks’ Kevin Knox and R.J. Barrett, and Charlotte Hornets’ Terry Rozier.

LeBron James’ Uninterrupted Launches ‘I AM More Than’ Nike Air Force 1
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 7, 2019

LeBron James’ Uninterrupted Launches ‘I AM More Than’ Nike Air Force 1

LeBron James has announced another major business venture. According to Fast Company, Maverick Carter and LeBron James’ Uninterrupted launched a Nike sneaker and e-commerce store. The brand released a special collaborative Nike Air Force 1 silhouette this month, alongside a range of other co-branded apparel items. The partnership launched a “More Than An Athlete” apparel collection that features a hoodie, shorts, hats, and socks available exclusively on Uninterrupted’s newly launched e-commerce store on Monday. The collection will also launch at Nike stores worldwide on Oct. 10.

“We started with athletes, but we want to empower all people, and what we have created has resonated across the globe because the idea of empowerment is universal,” Carter told Fast Company. “We’re creating a real emotional connection with our audience and consumers. They know us and what we stand for, and we want to better know them. We’re using product and apparel as a vehicle to further that connection, specifically with something like this AF1 that can be personalized and used as a platform to share a More Than story.”

The sneaker has the phrase ‘I AM More Than’ printed on the heel of the left shoe and includes black and blue marker pens to allow the buyer to add their own ‘I AM More Than’ phrase.

Uninterrupted expanded internationally in July when they launched UNINTERRUPTED Canada with the assistance of rapper, Aubrey “Drake” Graham. In September, the company introduced ‘The Glass Helmet Project,’ featuring Saquon Barkley, which incorporates the ‘I AM More Than’ brand. A short clip was seen on the Uninterrupted Twitter feed,  “I am more than stats. I am more than exciting plays. I am a father. I am a leader. I am here to make an impact. I am @saquon. And I will be seen. ”

The Uninterrupted team also produces The Shop, which initially started airing on the company’s website before HBO picked the series up in August 2018. California Gov. Gavin Newsom just recently signed the Fair Pay to Play Act during a recent taping of HBO’s The Shop, which is co-executive produced by James. In addition, the Los Angeles Laker basketball player recently released his 17th signature shoe with Nike.

 

The Grand Opening Gala for Tyler Perry Studios Was Filled With Stars and Black Excellence
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 7, 2019

The Grand Opening Gala for Tyler Perry Studios Was Filled With Stars and Black Excellence

The stars came out in force on Saturday, Oct. 5, for the opening of Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. The successful filmmaker, actor, director, and producer turned a former army base into a brand new 330-acre studio, making him the first African American to own a major film production studio of this magnitude. The studio opening drew top names in entertainment to the celebration, including celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Cecily Tyson, Taraji P. Henson, Jill Scott, Whoopi Goldberg, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Spike Lee, Ava DuVernay, Michelle Williams, Kelly Rowland, Beyoncé, Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, and Halle Berry.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

What a fabulous and historic night at the opening of the Tyler Perry Studios Sound Stages… #thereals6

A post shared by Loni Love (@comiclonilove) on

“I think it’s pivotal in everything that we’ve done, everything that we’re doing still, that we continue to try to motivate and inspire people,” Perry told The Associated Press.

Winfrey also tells The Associated Press that: “He didn’t wait for other people to validate or to say you should go this way or that way. He said, ‘I’m going to create my own way’ and, as we can see here, ‘become a force for himself.’”

The Tyler Perry Studio was acquired by Perry in 2015 and is located on the historic grounds of the former Fort McPherson army base in Atlanta, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The major motion picture studio showcases 40 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, 12 purpose-built sound stages, 200 acres of green space and a diverse backlot. His previous studio location occupied two former Delta Air Lines affiliated buildings in the Greenbriar area of southwest Atlanta and was sold last year after being at this location since 2008.

Beyoncé, who stunned in a yellow form-fitting beaded gown by designer Yousef Al Jasmi, was the talk of the celebration. She shared photos of herself and her husband, Jay-Z, at the gala along with some touching words on her Instagram account. “Congratulations to Tyler Perry on the opening of his studios,” she wrote. “I could feel our ancestors’ presence. Surrounded by my heroes, I watched Denzel, Queen Oprah, Spike, Whoopi, Sir Poitier, Will, Halle, Dame, Cicely, and our angels John Singleton and Diahann Carroll honored.”

 

by Selena Hill

October 7, 2019

This is the Can’t-Miss Conference for Creatives of Color

Now in its third year, CultureCon has quickly evolved into one of New York City’s most-anticipated events for creative millennials of color. The one-day experiential conference brings together hundreds of black and brown entrepreneurs, tastemakers, artists, and influencers for celebrity fireside chats, informative panels, and sponsor activations. This year, the conference will take place on Oct. 12 in Brooklyn, New York, and include A-list speakers such as Tracee Ellis Ross, Regina King, Keke Palmer, and Sanaa Lathan. In addition to top industry talent, it will be packed with workshop courses on finance, marketing, and collaboration. Plus, attendees will hear from a variety of black professionals and business experts such as John Henry, Angelina Darrisaw, Dia Simms, and Coltrane Curtis.

Imani Ellis, founder of The Creative Collective NYC

So, what’s the magic behind putting together an event of this caliber? Her name is Imani Ellis. The millennial corporate communications director founded the organization that produces the annual conference, The Creative Collective NYC (TheCCnyc), back in 2016. The organization was birthed out of her Harlem apartment after she invited a few friends over for tacos to share ideas in a safe space. The gatherings inside her living room expanded into monthly meet-ups with groups of 10 to 50 people and eventually outgrew her apartment. Today, TheCCnyc is a community-driven network that curates dozens of year-round events and partners with mega-brands like Nike, Live Nation, HBO, and SquareSpace.

In an email, Ellis told BLACK ENTERPRISE that CultureCon, the org’s marquee event, “was created to fill a void in the conference space. Instead of approaching one specific aspect of a person (like their career or their side hustle), CultureCon focuses on everything that makes young creatives thrive.”

CultureCon 2018

Buzz about the conference has caught fire. “The first CultureCon kicked off in October 2017 at Samsung 837 in Meatpacking district with only 150 people,” she tells BE. Last year, there were 500 people just on the waiting list. This year, Ellis is expecting 2,000 attendees. She also added a week of programming leading up to the event. “We want attendees to walk away inspired and ready to walk in their purpose,” she says.

For others looking to curate live events of the like, Ellis’ advice is to start small. “I would suggest starting small and perfecting your format,” she says. “Bigger isn’t always better. Sometimes having the best of a very particular product [or] event type will serve you more than trying to mass-produce a just OK brunch mixer or happy hour. Put yourself in the shoes of your guests[s] and see every detail through their eyes. Once you’ve done that, be open to partnerships that are beneficial.”

Learn more about CultureCon here.

BLACK ENTERPRISE is a media partner of CultureCon 2019.

 

Here’s One Solution to Help You Reduce Workplace Burnout
by Charlene Rhinehart

October 5, 2019

Here’s One Solution to Help You Reduce Workplace Burnout

Are you experiencing burnout at work? You’re not alone. According to Deloitte’s 2018 Workplace Burnout Study, 77% of respondents say they have experienced employee burnout at their current job.

What’s the solution? Travel more!

You don’t have to go outside the country to experience the mental cleansing you need to reinvigorate your life. The United States offers over 400 National Parks and thousands of recreational and historic sites to help you disconnect from work and reconnect to life’s most beautiful features. Through the Find Your Park initiative, you can explore the wealth of history and nature around you. This was made possible through the National Park Foundation partnership with the National Park Service.

If you’re looking for one of the most environmentally sustainable National Parks, you should explore Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. Subaru’s sponsorship of Don’t Feed The Landfills Initiative has helped the National Park Service eliminate over 6 million pounds of waste, ensuring that the parks remain healthy and vibrant.

Are you ready to inhale the beauty of the National Parks and conquer workplace burnout once and for all? Here’s how to get started on your journey to Grand Teton National Park.

Head To The Visitors Center

Before you get started on an adventure in Grand Teton National Park, stop by the visitor center to learn more about the best sites to explore. Opened in 2007, this visitor center is not like any other you’ve probably seen. You’ll notice videos coming out of the floor to mimic the iconic Snake Rivers and Bear country and walls filled with educational information that will connect you with the town in a new way.

Take a Hike at Jenny Lake 

If you’re looking for a rugged workout that will spoil you with breathtaking views, head on over to Jenny Lake. Jenny Lake is a starting point for many day and overnight hiking trips. This area grants you access to gorgeous district trails that meet all hiking levels. You’ll be able to walk trails along the lake to capture the most photogenic features of the outdoors. Be prepared for high elevation, steep trails, and possible signs of wildlife.

Go Rafting on the Snake River

Have you ever been river rafting before? A few hours on the river will definitely wipe away any stressful distractions that may be holding you back. The Grand Teton Lodge Company takes you on a 10-mile rafting tour on the Snake River. You’ll also receive a meal on the river before you dive into the water.

Test Your Dude Ranch Knowledge 

Work is less stressful when you can share fun facts with your colleagues. Check out the Bar BC Dude Ranch. You’ll learn about the entrepreneurial history of the old west and gain creative inspiration that will fuel your business ideas.

Walk Around the Art Gallery in Colter Bay

The Colter Bay Visitors Center is home to scenic views by Jackson Lake. You’ll be able to walk around an art gallery that features work from Native American tribes from different reservations across the U.S. Art is very therapeutic and has a way of relaxing the mind.

Find Meaning on Shadow Mountain 

When was the last time you had a chance to reflect on your life and think about your goals and aspirations? Shadow Mountain offers the perfect opportunity to do this. Just rent a powerful Subaru and you’re on your way to the top of the mountain to soak in all of the scenic views while you camp and take a break from everything going on around you.

Enjoy the Views and Activities at Spring Creek Ranch 

Stay at Spring Creek Ranch and you’ll have the opportunity to go horseback riding, enjoy the 24-hour hot tub, and eat at top restaurants such as The Granary and Amangani. You will also get a chance to stay at a modern-day townhouse ranch boasting spectacular views of the valley. The ranch also offers complimentary shuttle services to the center of the city.

Workplace burnout is impacting a lot of black professionals. If you’re experiencing workplace burnout, the most important action you can take is to take care of you. Grand Teton National Park is a perfect place to unplug and tap into the inspiration you need to balance your work-life commitments.

by Lydia Blanco

October 4, 2019

Dell Technologies Builds Tech Pipeline for Black and Latinx Students

In 2018, leaders from Dell Technologies and Black Enterprise brainstormed ways that they could get more diverse young talent into the tech pipeline, and they landed on a joint event that would cater to black and brown students. After nine months of planning, the BE Smart Student Symposium came to life at Dell Technologies’ headquarters in Round Rock, Texas.

In September, 56 STEM, marketing, and business students (40 students from 10 HBCUs and 16 Latino students from various universities in Texas) gathered at Dell Technologies for two days and interviewed with recruiters; heard from leaders within the tech industry; and participated in the BE Smart Dell Technologies Innovation Lab, where they worked on creating an app to help the company recruit and retain diverse talent.

Alabama A&M University; Bowie State University; Dillard University; Fisk University; Florida A&M University; Hampton University; Jackson State University; Johnson C. Smith University; Morehouse College; Morgan State University; Xavier University of Louisiana; Tuskegee University; North Carolina A&T State University; University of Texas at Austin; University of Texas at El Paso; University of Houston; and the University of Texas at San Antonio were represented at the event.

“One of the major tenets of our publication was the application of education for the attainment of economic and financial empowerment, the pathway to the American dream. We are committed more than ever,” said Earl “Butch” Graves Jr., president & CEO of Black Enterprise. “This program builds upon that mission and also serves to facilitate the advancement of the pipeline of African American [and Latinx] talent that will continue to be so vital to driving innovation within corporate America and our nation as a whole.”

Related: Black Women in Tech: Dell’s Only Black Woman Senior Vice President

In addition to Graves’ remarks, Michelle Taylor Jones, Global Diversity & Inclusion Officer at Dell Technologies, and Brian Reaves, Chief Diversity Officer at Dell Technologies expressed great enthusiasm about the hopes that the students would make Dell their employer of choice.

Dell Is Committed to Excellence

“This company was started by a young man, at that time, Michael Dell, who wasn’t much older than many of you. Like him, many of you will have ideas and you will impress the world and impact the world as much as Michael has around Dell Technologies,” said Reaves.

He went on to add, “Just like Michael wrote that first great chapter, back in 1984, we want you to be able to write the next three chapters of this company. And that’s what this event is all about.”

On the first day, the students participated in a workshop led by Maggie Chan Jones, Founder & CEO of Tenshey, on how to improve their transition from STEM student to professional in the tech pipeline, and interviewed with members of the talent acquisition team led by Dell’s Robert Simmons, University Relations Diversity Program Manager, and John Redmond, Talent Acquisition Senior Advisor.

Related: 5 Ways to Ace the Transition From College Grad to First Job

The students also got to engage with Dell Technologies’ strategic partners and members of the employee resource groups in the Exhibit Lounge. In addition, students were able to have their headshots taken to improve their LinkedIn profile.

The evening concluded with an exciting night at Top Golf in downtown Austin where the students, professors, and members of the Dell and Black Enterprise teams networked and enjoyed competitive games on the green!

A Morning of Inspiration

On the second day of the symposium, Ed Gordon, Emmy Award-winning broadcaster, opened up with an encouraging word to students on the importance of finding a mentor to guide them through the tech pipeline. He also introduced a surprise fireside chat between Reaves and Vernice “Fly Girl” Armour, America’s first African American female combat pilot, on the intersection of technology and leadership.

The morning continued with panel discussions on the blueprint for building the tech pipeline with Dell leaders Kevin Brown, EVP and Chief Supply Chain Officer; Najuma Atkinson, SVP of Customer Advocacy; and Allison Dew, CMO & EVP, moderated by Graves.

The conversation was followed by the HBCU/MSI Dell Experience, What’s the 411? session moderated by Courtney Hughes, Corporate Communications. Enrico Scott, Senior Analyst of Internal Audit; Leon Livingston, Advisor of Sales Comp Operations; Roslyn Jones, User Interface Engineer; and Genesis Euceda, Senior Analysis of Financial Analysis who are all members of the company’s black and Latinx ERGs, spoke.

Take a look at photos from the event:

[soliloquy id=”645103″]

After a morning of engaging dialogue, the students began competing in the BE Smart Dell Technologies Innovation Lab Challenge where they worked on creating an app that aimed to help the company recruit and retain diverse talent. Each of the teams contributed their technical and non-technical skills to produce and present the concept and working products on the main stage to a panel of judges. All of the teams received feedback from Janice Glover-Jones, Chief Diversity Equality & Inclusion Officer at DIA; Preston James, CEO/Co-Founder of DivInc; Shana Eskridge, Audit Director at Dell Technologies; and Preston Hale, VP of Finance at Dell Technologies.

Once the student broke for the challenge, the morning continued with coffee and conversation between Dell employees and delegates where they chatted about the ever-evolving tech industry and the latest developments as they lead and instruct.

A Wealth of Knowledge

The afternoon kicked off with an engaging lunch-and-learn session on being an executive of color at Dell with Patrick Felder, VP of HR Business Partner; Mariely Franzetti, VP of Dell Digital Services; Ana Villegas, Senior Director of Field Marketing; and Jim Ganthier, SVP, Customer Solutions and Strategy, moderated by Gordon.

Redmond also gave a presentation on how to navigate corporate cultures.

The overflow of information sharing continued with a session on taking a pulse of the diversity pipeline with Allen; Dr. Fay Cobb Payton, Program Director at National Science Foundation; and Brian Vaught, SVP of Talent Inclusion at Publicis Group, moderated by Gordon.

As the final conversation of the day wrapped up, the moment that everyone was waiting for kicked off—the student presentations!

After taking center stage, judges Karen Quintos, EVP/Chief Customer Officer at Dell Technologies; Danny Allen, Vice President of Tech Diversity at SAP; and Brian Vaught, SVP, Talent Inclusion at Publicis, deliberated and Morehouse College won first place and took home backpacks and brand new Dell computers! Fisk University and Morgan State University came in at second and third place and each of the teams received Dell Technologies backpacks and $100 gift cards.

During the winner announcements and closing remarks, Quintos said that Dell Technologies was the ultimate winner for being able to engage with the students as the company builds its own tech pipeline.

“We are a company with a soul. Not only do we put out great technology, great products, and great solutions, but we care about our people. We care about the community, care about the environment, and we really care about giving back. So thank you for taking time to be here,” said Quintos.

The evening wrapped up with the ultimate farewell bash at the Archer Hotel in downtown Austin.

This year’s event was a great success and we plan on making 2020’s event bigger and better with Dell Technologies!

by Selena Hill

October 4, 2019

Remembering the Legacy of TV Trailblazer Diahann Carroll

Diahann Carroll, a pioneering and Oscar-nominated actress who broke the color barrier in network television, died of cancer on Oct. 4 in Los Angeles. She was 84.

Carroll’s daughter, Suzanne Kay, released a statement praising her mother’s trailblazing work in entertainment.

“Carroll was a consummate entertainer and beloved icon whose career spanned nearly seven decades,” she said in a statement, according to NBC News. “She paved the way for many and never allowed anyone to limit or define her.”

Born Carol Diahann Johnson in the Bronx, New York, Johnson was an actress, singer, and model perhaps best known for her role in Julia, the first TV series to star a black woman in a non-servant role. In the series, which ran from 1968 to 1971 on NBC, Johnson played a widowed mother described as confident and self-sufficient.

“There was nothing like this young successful mother on the air,” Carroll once told PBS. “And we thought that it might be a very good stepping stone.”

The groundbreaking role earned her the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress In A Television Series in 1969.

Prior to that, Johnson rose to stardom in performances in some of the earliest major studio films to feature black actresses, including a supporting role opposite Dorothy Dandridge in Carmen Jones in 1954 and Porgy and Bess, starring Sidney Poitier, in 1959. In 1962, Carroll became the first black woman to win the Tony Award for best actress for her role in the Broadway musical No Strings. She was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for the 1974 film Claudine. Later, she played a multi-racial diva in the primetime soap opera Dynasty throughout the 1980s.

Carroll was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 2011 in honor of her career that included four Emmy nominations for work in ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy and NBC’s A Different World.

Following the announcement of her passing, a number of celebrities expressed their sympathy on Twitter while honoring her legacy, including President Bill Clinton, filmmaker Ava DuVernay, actress Debbie Allen, and many more.

Johnson, who was married four times, is survived by her daughter, Kay, and two grandchildren.

by Marie Cyprien

October 4, 2019

Cornell University’s Medical School to Give Full Scholarships to Students in Need

It’s no secret that an Ivy League education costs a lot of money, or that students pursuing graduate degrees are usually on the hook for even more student loan debt. However, one school is changing that by offering qualifying students a full scholarship. Cornell University joins a list of institutions around the country that have begun to push for a less expensive college education in order to give students much more access.

Weill Cornell Medicine, part of Cornell University, recently announced that it would “eliminate medical education debt for all students who qualified for financial aid, starting with the students that entered the program this fall,” according to CNN.

This means that the students will not only get a top-notch college education, but they will be able to graduate without having to worry about debt and its potential negative effect on their future.

“By replacing student loans with scholarships that cover tuition, housing, and other living expenses, the programs ensure that all students, including those from economically diverse backgrounds, can pursue their medical education without financial burden,” the university said in a statement to CNN.

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the average student debt for medical students last year was a little more than $196,000. And more than 70% of medical education graduates walked out with debt.

The university also stated that this impactful decision was made possible by gifts from donors, which round up to more than $160 million.

“This bold initiative to eliminate medical education student debt ensures that every student who wishes to become a doctor can do so—for their betterment and for the patients they serve,” Cornell University President Martha E. Pollack said in a statement. “By investing in our medical students, we impart a lasting, positive effect on the healthcare landscape across the country.”

“MasterChef” Celebrates 10th Season With Its First Black Woman Winner
by Marie Cyprien

October 4, 2019

“MasterChef” Celebrates 10th Season With Its First Black Woman Winner

After 10 seasons, a black female contestant has won MasterChef.

According to Atlanta Black Star, Dorian Hunter from Cartersville, Ga., won the judges over with a menu that included “an appetizer of seared scallops with cornmeal tuille, sweet corn puree, and pickled swiss chard; an entrée of applewood smoked short ribs with potato and horseradish gratin; as well as a lemon blueberry tart for dessert” while competing to create a three-course meal for family, friends, and former champions of the series hosted by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey.

Hunter beat out meals from San Diego’s Sarah Faherty and Rhode Island’s Nick DiGiovanni to collect the $250,000 grand prize. In addition to the money, Hunter also won the opportunity to work with judges Ramsay, Aarón Sánchez, and Joe Bastianich.

MasterChef is an American reality TV show centered around a cooking competition. It is based on the British series of the same name and is catered toward amateur and home chefs. It debuted July 27, 2010 on FOX.

“This is a life-changer and I’m so happy to, not my fans, but my family,” Hunter said.

According to Parade.com, Hunter’s immediate plans are to author a cookbook tied to the culinary point of view she carried out throughout MasterChef.

“My vision for my cookbook would be what I have been saying all season, elevated soul. I don’t want to be too rustic, because I think that has already been done a lot, but I want to show soul food cooking done in a different way—in a beautiful way, not just in a homestyle way.”

Hunter also has plans to open a restaurant. As she told Parade.com, “I always say that having the title is more than the money. I am hoping to be able to work the title to, ultimately, open up that restaurant.”

 

Kanye West Settles Lawsuit Against Publishing Giant EMI
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 4, 2019

Kanye West Settles Lawsuit Against Publishing Giant EMI

According to Rolling Stone, superstar Kanye West and EMI Music Publishing have reached an agreement on the lawsuit West filed against them. The agreement, for an undisclosed amount, is expected to be finalized in 90 days. West was seeking to be released from a contract he signed early in his career.

West filed his lawsuit against EMI in January, demanding to be released from the contract he signed with EMI in 2003, which he likened to ‘servitude.’ He signed the agreement while recording his 2004 debut album, The College Dropout.

The rapper claimed the contract, which forbids him from retiring as a songwriter, recording artist, or producer, is illegal under California labor codes. West used California’s statute limiting personal services contracts against the publishing company as the basis to void his deal, stating that he cannot be contractually obligated to “perform” for more than seven years. The publishing giant responded by counter-suing West, alleging that the rapper was breaching the deal he signed with them.

Related: NAACP, Killer Mike Implore Black People to Stand With Byron Allen in His $20 Million Lawsuit Against Comcast

Last year, West posted videos on social media, including one he titled, “Mind Control,” in which he claimed Sony-ATV, which owns EMI, turned down his efforts to buy back his publishing. “I went to go buy my publishing from Sony/ATV and they said, ‘It’s $8 million [or] $9 million’ and when I went to buy it, they told me ‘No,’ I couldn’t buy my publishing,” he said. “I have the money to buy [back] my publishing. And they told me that I couldn’t buy my publishing… It’s like the control.”

EMI Publishing is responsible for ensuring that songwriters and composers receive their due payment when their songs are used commercially. The arrangements of a typical publishing contract allow a songwriter or composer to assign the copyright of their composition to a publishing company. In return, the company does all the work involving licenses, compositions, helps monitor where compositions are used, collects royalties, and distributes them to the composers/songwriters. They also secure commissions for music and anything pertaining to promoting existing compositions to recording artists, film, and television.

×