LiAngelo Ball, The Cool Kids, Chuck Inglish , Def Jam

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 14, 2026

The Cool Kids’ Chuck Inglish Calls Out Def Jam For Reportedly Dropping Two Acts To Bet $8M On LiAngelo Ball

"Def Jam dropped Vanilla is Black and Navy Blue for this," Inglish tweeted.

Def Jam signed former college hooper LiAngelo Ball after he released a viral single, “Tweaker,” under his stage name Gelo. But Chuck Inglish of The Cool Kids blasted the record label for dropping two other acts to focus on Ball.

Inglish responded to an X user complaining that Gelo was given millions to sign with the label, yet wasn’t making the impact expected by hip-hop fans after hearing about his reported $13 million deal ($8 million reportedly guaranteed).

The user, J Michelle Michelle, wrote in her post: “They swore to God up above that this man was taking over. I remember” in response to a Datpiff post that asked followers to “Name an artist you swore was next up… then their career just flatlined…”

Ball has released another track, but it hasn’t matched the success of his breakout single, which first drew widespread attention and pulled him away from his brothers, Lonzo Ball and LaMelo Ball, who currently play in the NBA.

Inglish cosigned her post and added that the label dropped two acts, Vanilla is Black and Navy Blue, and reconfirmed that Def Jam gave Gelo a guaranteed $8 million.

Def Jam dropped Vanilla is Black and Navy Blue for this.

Gave that nigga 8 mill guaranteed too https://t.co/NbjqrOdvQH
— CHUCK INGLISH said it. (@Chuckisdope) March 12, 2026

Gelo was expected to play in the NBA like his brothers. Instead, he inked a deal with Def Jam, which gave him full ownership of his music.

After playing at UCLA, Gelo entered the 2018 NBA Draft. Unlike his brothers, he was not selected by any NBA team but did sign training camp deals with the Detroit Pistons (2020) and the Hornets (2021 and 2022). He didn’t make the regular-season rosters.

Ball played in the NBA G League for the Greensboro Swarm, averaging 4.4 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 13.1 minutes in 31 games from 2021 to 2023.

Miguel Díaz-Canel , TRUMP, HAVANA , CUBA

by Keka Araújo

March 13, 2026

Isolation and Oil Shortages Push Cuba’s President, Miguel Díaz-Canel, Into High-Stakes Negotiations With Trump

In an act of goodwill and good faith, the Cuban preesident has surprisingly agreed to release 51 prisoners.

Faced with a paralyzing fuel embargo and the specter of total economic collapse, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel confirmed Friday that Havana has entered direct negotiations with the Trump administration. The announcement, delivered in a somber 90-minute national broadcast, marks the most significant diplomatic engagement between the adversarial nations in a decade, catalyzed by a U.S. pressure campaign that has effectively severed the island’s energy arteries.

The strategic collapse of the Maduro administration in Venezuela earlier this year served as the primary catalyst for Havana’s diplomatic retreat, effectively severing the “Petro-Caribe” lifeline that sustained the island for over two decades. With Caracas now cooperating with Washington on oil production and exports, Cuba has lost its most significant regional benefactor and its primary source of subsidized crude.

The loss of Venezuelan support, coupled with Mexico’s decision to halt shipments, has rendered Cuba a “failing nation,” leaving Díaz-Canel with no leverage other than a negotiated “deal” to prevent complete state collapse.

While Díaz-Canel maintained a conciliatory tone, he was candid regarding the existential threat posed by Washington’s “energy blockade.” The administration’s strategy appears to be to leverage the island’s systemic fragility to extract concessions that have eluded American presidents for 70 years.

“The country is barely surviving. Cuba doesn’t have a choice. It has to talk.” — Ricardo Torres, Economist and Research Fellow at American University.

Torres’ assessment highlights a brutal reality on the fragile nation’s infrastructure–the negotiation is less a parlay between equals and more a survival mandate for the Communist Party. The strategy of “maximum pressure” has transitioned from a political slogan to a functional reality, leaving Havana with dwindling options as the lights go out across the provinces.

President Trump, who confirmed the talks via Truth Social, has framed the engagement within his hallmark transactional framework. By disrupting the regional leftist alliance—specifically the “Chavista” pipeline from Caracas—the U.S. has isolated Cuba, forcing a shift in Díaz-Canel’s typically defiant rhetoric.

“It may be a friendly takeover, it may not be a friendly takeover,” the beleaguered leader claimed.

This characteristic ambiguity serves as a potent psychological tool. The “friendly takeover” suggests a preference for economic opening over violent political overthrow, a sentiment echoed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Analysts suggest Washington may be willing to leave the Communist Party’s administrative structure intact, provided it facilitates a sweeping transition toward a market-oriented economy.

For Díaz-Canel, the challenge lies in securing energy relief without surrendering the ideological bedrock of the 1959 Revolution. He emphasized that talks remain predicated on “respect for political systems,” yet the logistical horror on the ground complicates that stance.

“Right now in the country, there are tens of thousands of people waiting for surgery that cannot be performed due to the lack of electricity,” Díaz-Canel said during the press conference.

This admission highlights the catastrophic intersection of geopolitics and public health. The “anguish” cited by the President is visible in the darkened operating rooms and the silent streets of Havana. While the two leaders haggle over Cuba’s fate, the Caribbean nation’s citizens continue to go without resources.

On the ground, the high-level maneuvering in Washington and Mexico City offers little immediate solace to those struggling to secure necessities. The inflation of fuel prices has ripple effects that have effectively decimated the informal economy.

“No one can pay for gas. Everyone is desperate… The situation is very grim,” Bruno Díaz, a Havana taxi driver and musician, expressed.

In an act of goodwill and good faith, the Cuban president has surprisingly agreed to release 51 prisoners.

The testimony of ordinary Cubans like Díaz emphatically highlights the complete erosion of the island’s economic stability. Without fuel, there is no transport; without transport, there is no food distribution or tourism. The hustle and help that once allowed Cubans to survive through informal networks is being crushed by the sheer weight of a global energy vacuum and capitalistic greed.

by Kandiss Edwards

March 13, 2026

Offscript Worldwide Debuts New Direction of 3BLACKDOT At SXSW

3BLACKDOT is transitioning from a behind-the-scenes creator network into a consumer-facing powerhouse.

Offscript Worldwide, the parent company of Revolt, will publicly debut 3BLACKDOT as a centralized gaming media destination March 14 at Revolt House during the 2026 SXSW festival.

Following Offscript’s acquisition of the gaming media firm in June 2025, the brand is transitioning from a behind-the-scenes creator network into a consumer-facing company.

The launch aims to bridge the gap between individual gaming creators into a hub that spans distribution, original programming, and live experiences.

“Gaming is now one of the dominant ways to connect with youth culture,” Offscript Worldwide and Revolt CEO Detavio Samuels said. “With 3BLACKDOT, we’re bringing creators who once lived only across individual YouTube and social channels into a unified media platform.”

The debut at SXSW will feature the premiere of the platform’s flagship show, 3BD Weekly, filmed before a live audience. The event is scheduled to include creator-led segments such as an anime dub collaboration titled “Reel Ones” by RabSoPetty and ClassicmanD. Attendees will also witness live gameplay demonstrations of SEGA’s “Virtua Fighter 5.”

Reginald Cash, general manager of 3BLACKDOT, told Revolt in 2025 that the platform is designed to provide gaming culture with the scale it has historically lacked in traditional media. By consolidating a network that already generates over 20 million monthly watch hours on YouTube, the company intends to offer advertisers a more reliable way to engage with the $347 billion global gaming market.

“What’s been missing are the stages that reflect its scale,” Cash said. “By premiering creator-led content in live environments and distributing it across every screen where fans gather, we’re giving gaming culture the platform it deserves.”

The SXSW takeover will also include appearances by StorymodeBae and a high-energy evening headlined by Harlem rapper Max B.

by Jameelah Mullen

March 13, 2026

Put Some Respect on It! HBCU Duo Ends Losing Streak While Fasting For Ramadan

Black excellence, even during Ramadan.

While fasting for Ramadan. Bilal Abdur-Rahman and Sami Pissis helped Alabama A&M defeat Texas Southern 85–74 in overtime on March 12, snapping the Bulldogs’ 23-game losing streak to the Tigers and advancing in the SWAC Men’s Basketball Tournament.

During Ramadan, practicing Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, for a month. Abdur-Rahman and Pissis have leaned on each other for support.

“Sami and I stayed together in the hotel, so we’ve been helping each other,” Abdur-Rahman told HBCU Gameday “It’s a lot physically to deal with, but you’ve got to win the mental battle and recover when you can so you’re ready for the next one.”

Texas Southern led 31–27 at halftime, but Alabama A&M responded to tie the game at 66 at the end of regulation. In overtime, Alabama A&M easily outscored Texas Southern, 19–8, to seal the victory.

“Tough, hard-fought game against TSU, man. That’s a championship program,” Alabama A&M head coach Donte Jackson said. “A lot of respect for Coach Jones… whenever we go play them, I know it’s going to be a battle.”

Pissis said that the high-pressure game made him feel like he was in his element.

“It’s a big game. I consider myself a big-game player,” Pissis told HBCU Gameday. “This is what you play college basketball for-these big moments. I play fearless and shoot everything with confidence.”

He and Abdur-Rahman combined for 28 points and 11 assists in the victory.

Pissis also credited Jackson for driving the team’s victory, saying Jackson’s intensity in the huddle motivated him to match that energy.

Ramadan 2026 started around the evening of Feb. 17 and will end around March 20. The fasting athletes and their teammates will face Prairie View A&M on March 13 at 2 p.m. EST.

by Kandiss Edwards

March 13, 2026

Fugees Member Pras Michel Drops Lawsuit Against Lauryn Hill

Pras' lawsuit stemmed from the cancellation of the Fugees’ 2023 25th-anniversary tour and the subsequent management of the group's 2024 international dates.

Fugees member Pras Michel has voluntarily dismissed his lawsuit against bandmate Lauryn Hill, five months after Michel filed the complaint in the Southern District of New York, alleging breach of contract and fraud.

Pras’ lawsuit stemmed from the cancellation of the Fugees’ 2023 25th-anniversary tour and the subsequent management of the group’s 2024 international dates.

Michel had accused Hill of gross mismanagement, claiming that Hill had unilaterally taken control of the tour’s finances. He further alleged that Hill’s chronic tardiness and the tour’s abrupt cancellation caused him significant financial losses.

Michel’s legal team sought to drop the suit “without prejudice,” Billboard reports. The resolution may suggest an out-of-court settlement or a private deal between the two artists, but no terms were disclosed.

“Lauryn Hill and Pras Michel have reached an amicable resolution to their recent legal dispute,” a representative for the group said in a statement. “Both parties are committed to moving forward with mutual respect and focusing on their shared musical legacy.”

Pras has dropped his lawsuit against Lauryn Hill, in which he accused her of “misrepresenting financial information” as part of a “veiled and devious attempt to make a big score for herself.”

A March 11 filing reads: “The … action [is] dismissed without prejudice, with each… https://t.co/HeqbgtCmRB pic.twitter.com/vU8OVwbasj
— Block Topickz (formerly Glock Topickz) (@BlockTopickz) March 13, 2026

The claims by Pras became public when Hill responded to Michel’s initial filing by calling it “baseless” and “full of false claims.” Hill maintained that the tour cancellations were due to serious vocal strain and necessary medical recovery. She vehemently denied claims of mismanagement.

Additionally, Hill noted that Michel had been advanced significant funds to assist with his ongoing legal expenses related to his federal conspiracy trial.

“It is unfortunate that private business matters were aired in such a public and distorted fashion,” Hill said through a spokesperson. “My priority has always been the integrity of the art and the well-being of the fans.”

Dropping the suit is one less matter for Michel to worry about while he serves federal prison time. In 2023, the rapper was convicted of illegal lobbying, and campaign finance violations and acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government. He was ordered to report to prison Jan. 27.

GLAAD, ‘Generation Z & HIV: HBCU Tour,’ Morehouse College

by Jameelah Mullen

March 13, 2026

GLAAD’s ‘Generation Z & HIV: HBCU Tour’ Heads To Morehouse College

The tour hopes to empower students with resources to reshape how Gen Z understands HIV.

The push for HIV awareness among Generation Z continues as GLAAD brings its Generation Z & HIV: Human Issue and Southern Solution HBCU Tour to Morehouse College.

The event, in partnership with Gilead Sciences, will take place on March 18, at 7:30 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel. Attendance is open to Morehouse College and Atlanta University Center students and faculty.

Hampton University athlete Byron Perkins Jr. will join GLAAD’s Darian Aaron, director of local news, to discuss sexual health, stigmas around sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and the benefits of the HIV prevention drug PrEP.

A 2024 GLAAD study revealed that the South has the highest rates of new HIV diagnoses and that Gen Z is often the least informed about the condition.

Perkins said HIV remains a serious concern in Black communities, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, or number of partners. He noted that the tour is equipping at‑risk youth with the information and tools they need to protect their health.

Rashad Burgess, vice president of corporate responsibility at Gilead Sciences, echoed Perkins’ sentiments, noting that the purpose of the tour is to make information understandable and normalize testing and other prevention methods.

Morehouse College marks the third stop of the tour. The Generation Z & HIV tour started at Jackson State University in October 2025, with special guest Snoop Dogg. The rapper spoke about his friend_,and former Death Row Records label mate Eazy-E, who died of AIDS-related complications in 1995. He acknowledged that he and his peers lacked education about HIV and AIDS during the early days of the disease.

“There was no medical information to let us know what was going on. We were so scared we stopped everything,” the actor noted.

At Alabama State University on Feb. 5, students were asked how organizations can best reach and engage them.

“Putting a banner on your table is not going to get me to take heed to your message. When things like TikTok are what is getting a lot of our attention. You have to find mechanisms that make it relatable to us as the new generation, one student said.

Their responses underscored a generational gap in communication and the importance of creating inclusive conversations that meet students where they are.

Civil Rights Lawyer, Michele Jawando, CEO, Omidyar Network,AI

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 13, 2026

Civil Rights Lawyer Michele Jawando Elevated To CEO Of Omidyar Network, Vows More Inclusive AI Future

“I just want people to feel agency and power in this moment,” Jawando said. “I hate the fact that most people feel like this technology is happening to them.”

Civil rights attorney Michele Jawando has been promoted from president to CEO of Omidyar Network, where she aims to bring greater inclusivity to the rapidly evolving AI era.

On March 11, the philanthropic group founded by billionaire eBay founder Pierre Omidyar announced that Jawando will begin her new role as CEO next month, the Associated Press reports. “Our focus will be making sure that there is a much more diverse set of views and people and coalitions and voices shaping the moments, the opportunities, and the rules for the AI era,” Jawando said in a statement.

A civil rights lawyer and former Google executive who oversaw the company’s public policy partnerships, Jawando will now lead one of the best-funded technology organizations working to broaden influence over how artificial intelligence is developed, deployed, and regulated beyond Silicon Valley.

“I just want people to feel agency and power in this moment,” she said. “I hate the fact that most people feel like this technology is happening to them.”

Jawando’s appointment comes at a time when the philanthropic sector has been watching closely as the Trump administration clashed with Anthropic after the firm declined to allow the federal government unrestricted military use of its technology. The dispute highlights Jawando’s view that a small group of companies should not be responsible for setting the guardrails around what she described as “really powerful super-tools.”

Omidyar Network has recently sharpened its focus on artificial intelligence, launching a $30 million generative AI portfolio to address what leaders see as gaps in philanthropy’s engagement with the rapidly evolving technology. While philanthropic groups often lack the financial power and political influence of AI companies valued in the hundreds of billions—many of which have secured favorable policies under Trump—Jawando said her role will be to build stronger connections across philanthropy and ensure the perspectives of working people are included in shaping the future of AI.

“The responsible and safe use of AI shouldn’t be just one company’s mantra,” Jawando said. “It’s not that some companies are too responsible and others aren’t. It’s just that we don’t have a public governance framework.”

Outgoing CEO Mike Kubzansky praised Jawando’s appointment, highlighting her role as co-chair of a philanthropic coalition committing $500 million to AI initiatives that prioritize the public interest. He also credited her with bringing new funders into the space, including the Doris Duke Foundation and the Lumina Foundation.

“She rarely jumps to the oppositional card first,” he said. “She finds new partners for us and she brings people along.”

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 13, 2026

Deposition Video Exposes DOGE Staffer Not Knowing What DEI Is After Being Tasked With Eliminating DEI Grants

"Yeah, my understanding was exactly what was in the EO.”

An awkward deposition exposed a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) staff member not being able to give a definition of DEI—which is diversity, equity and inclusion—after his main task was eliminating grants deemed as DEI opportunities.

The depositions were part of a lawsuit from various organizations such as the Modern Language Association (MLA), American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS), and American Historical Association (AHA), People reports. The lawsuit claims the federal agency, under the leadership of Elon Musk, used flawed and discriminatory methods in order to target which grants and programs should be eliminated.

Some of the videos from the deposition were released, including one featuring DOGE staffer Justin Fox.

“How do you interpret DEI?” a lawyer asked.

“The EO (executive order) explicitly laid out the details…I don’t remember it off the top of my head,” Fox said.

“I’m asking for your understanding of it,” the lawyer responded.

Fox said, “Yeah, my understanding was exactly what was in the EO.”

When asked if he understood what DEI is “right now,” Fox said, “Yeah… it was exactly what was written in the EO. So anytime that we would look at a grant, through the lens of complying with an executive order, we would just refer back to the EO and assess if this grant had relation to it.”

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A post shared by The Neighborhood Talk (@theneighborhoodtalk)

The EO, titled “Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing,” pushed for agencies to “coordinate the termination of all discriminatory programs, including illegal DEI and ‘diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility’ (DEIA) mandates, policies, programs, preferences, and activities in the federal government, under whatever name they appear.”

As a result, positive programming and grants for Black women, like the Fearless Fund, were cut.

Fox specifically focused on women when the lawyer asked for the reasoning behind a documentary on female Holocaust survivors being labeled as DEI.

“It’s the gender-based story; that’s inherently discriminatory to focus on this specific group,” Fox said. “It’s focusing on DEI principles, gender being one of them… specifically focused on Jewish cultures and amplifying the marginalized voices of the females in that culture. It’s inherently related to DEI for those reasons.”

The comments section of the Instagram video from The Neighborhood Talk didn’t take too well with his lack of knowledge. “DEI to them means Black people,” @thejcole22 said.

“They can never answer a simple question. Did he pass high school?” @jeannet_genie said.

At the hands of DOGE leaders, a number of people lost their businesses and their jobs because of the war against DEI. @xojennjones highlighted that not giving an answer sets a tone. “This is not ok. Many people lost their livelihood, and people didn’t get the resources that they needed because of this ignorance,” the user wrote.

It didn’t just stop there. Another staffer, Nathan Cavanaugh, admitted under oath that humanities grants with references to the LGBTQ+ community were flagged simply for using the term, according to the Advocate.

One grant that was highlighted pushed for a public discussion series titled “Examining experiences of LGBTQ military service,” with the goal of bringing veterans and community members together to discuss experiences of marginalized service members, such as women, Black veterans, Native Americans, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ people.

Cavanaugh was a little more blunt with his reasoning. When asked why the project was flagged, he said, “Because it explicitly says ‘LGBTQ.’”

Earl G. Graves School Of Business, Dean, Royce Burnett, Oklahoma State Accounting Hall Of Fame

by Jameelah Mullen

March 13, 2026

Earl G. Graves School Of Business Dean, Royce Burnett, Inducted Into Oklahoma State Accounting Hall Of Fame

Dr. Royce Burnett has served as dean of the school at Morgan State University since 2024.

Dr. Royce Burnett, Ph.D., dean of the Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management at Morgan State University, has been inducted into the Wilton T. Anderson Accounting Hall of Fame at Oklahoma State University (OSU). The award recognizes OSU alumni for their outstanding contributions to the accounting profession.

“Receiving this recognition is one that is deeply meaningful to my professional and academic journey as an accountant and higher education administrator,” Burnett said in a statement. “To be recognized in this way affirms the work I’ve dedicated to the accounting profession, my students, and the broader business and social communities. This honor motivates me to continue striving to bring excellence to the classroom and to remain committed to mentoring the next generation of professional and academic accounting leaders, both of which will, undoubtedly, prove instrumental in serving the community with integrity and purpose.”

Since taking on the role at Morgan State University in 2024, Burnett has elevated the HBCU’s business school on the national stage, positioning it as a premier destination for students seeking top-tier education and mentorship in business and finance.

Under his leadership, Graves School has become Morgan’s most highly enrolled institution. The school’s MBA program is ranked No. 54 nationally, according to Bloomberg Businessweek. The HBCU recently formed a partnership with UNCF’s ACCLAIM (Accelerating Learning in Asset Investment Management) project, which aims to prepare students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities for leadership roles in the finance sector.

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Prior to earning his Ph.D. in accounting from OSU in 2003, Burnett worked in public accounting and corporate finance. He worked at two Big Four accounting firms and two Fortune 500 companies. Prior to his appointment at Morgan, Burnett served at Old Dominion University, where he held the positions of professor and chair for the Strome College of Business’s School of Accountancy. He has also held administrative and faculty positions at Southern Illinois University, University of Miami, and Oklahoma State University.

by Jameelah Mullen

March 13, 2026

It’s A Wrap: Kandi Burruss And Todd Tucker Settle Divorce After 11 Years Of Marriage

"The Real Housewives of Atlanta" alumna filed for divorce in Nov. 2025.

Kandi Burruss and producer Todd Tucker have settled their high-profile divorce four months after announcing their separation.

According to documents obtained by TMZ, the former couple informed the court that they had finalized an agreement after several disputes over living arrangements, finances, and custody of their two children.

Early court documents revealed that Tucker had previously sought sole custody of their children, Ace and Blaze, citing Burruss’s busy work schedule, which requires frequent travel. Burruss initially requested joint custody but later changed her request to sole custody as the dispute intensified.

Court documents also show that both parties accused each other of failing to meet financial and parental obligations during their separation. They also disputed their prenuptial agreement, with Tucker claiming he signed it under duress.

Tucker and Burruss did highlight the importance of protecting their children and maintaining a healthy co-parenting relationship. After their separation, the former couple gathered on special occasions to support their children.

In Jan. 2025, Tucker posted a photo of himself, Burruss, and their children.

“Happy New Year! Here’s my first SCHEME of 2026! Create and enjoy moments w/ family. The Tuckers,” the movie producer wrote.

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A post shared by Todd Tucker (@todd167)

Although the post sparked speculation that the estranged couple had reconciled, Tucker clarified that he was simply expressing their shared commitment to making this transition as smooth as possible for their children.

Burruss, a singer-songwriter and entrepreneur, met Tucker in 2011 while he was working as a producer on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, where she starred.

Their love story played out on the show, capturing their journey through sometimes tumultuous family dynamics, including Burruss’s mother, Joyce, questioning Tucker’s motives for marrying her daughter. They also addressed their differences in parenting styles and blending families. Both entered the marriage with daughters from previous relationships before having two children together during their marriage. The two later appeared on the spin-off Kandi and the Gang, which featured their restaurant, one of many joint business ventures.

The “Don’t Think I’m Not” singer is currently starring as Angélique in the Broadway musical & Juliet.