Notorious BIG, Touré, Notorious B.I.G., Netflix, Sean Combs: The Reckoning

by Ahsan Washington

May 21, 2025

5 Notorious B.I.G. Quotes That Show His Hustle For Wealth And Success

Christopher Wallace was a lyrical boss.

No one captured the contrast between street life and corporate ambition quite like Christopher Wallace, aka The Notorious B.I.G. He was a lyrical genius who seamlessly connected the hustle of Brooklyn corners with the mindset of Wall Street boardrooms. His words aren’t just catchy rhymes delivered with an excellent flow, they were business manifestos wrapped in gritty storytelling.

BLACK ENTERPRISE dug through BIG’s catalog and came out with five standout quotes that showcase his brilliant perspective on getting money, building wealth, and embodying a boss mentality. What’s crazy is how relevant his financial insights still are today, even though he’s been gone for almost three decades.

Stay far from timid/Only make moves when your heart’s in it/And live the phrase “sky’s the limit.”

From the 1997 song “Sky’s the Limit.” This quote inspires the hustlers and dreamers, telling us to take calculated risks and believe in yourself while on that journey to making it. It’s a rallying call for anyone with huge ambitions to chase them.

Now I’m in the limelight ‘cause I rhyme tight/Time to get paid, blow up …

This quote comes from the 1994 song “Juicy.” From the streets to the spotlight, Biggie looks back on his journey, how he climbed from nothing to becoming a hip-hop icon. He also speaks wisdom about grabbing life’s chances when they come your way and making the most of every win. It’s that classic rags-to-riches tale, but with Biggie’s raw perspective on turning your moment in the sun into something lasting.

Never get high on your own supply

In “Crack Commandments,” BIG borrows this line from the movie Scarface. Though it’s wrapped in street lingo, this lyric actually hits on something every business owner knows deep down: guard what you’re selling, stay disciplined about your operations, and don’t mix using your own stuff with trying to sell it. It’s pretty much Business 101, just with a grittier backdrop.

The key to staying on top of things is to treat everything like it’s your first project

In this interview clip, Biggie drops some real wisdom. The notorious one encourages people to keep grinding hard and tackling every new project with that same fire and excitement. Such a timeless piece of advice from the legend himself.

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTjuxbQR1

Negativity just brings failure

Notorious BIG highlights how keeping the right attitude and energy breeds positive outcomes. He stated emphatically that negativity stunts growth and success.

Truck Driver, Arrest, Crime, Decapitating Woman

by Mitti Hicks

May 21, 2025

Trump Administration Is Allegedly Removing Truck Drivers Who Don’t Speak Proficient English

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy signed a directive allowing the U.S. Department of Transportation to remove truck drivers who are not fluent in English. Duffy's move directly responds to President Donald Trump’s executive order on April 28.

Truck drivers will have to pass a CDL exam and a test proving they can speak English. According to NBC News, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy signed a directive allowing the U.S. Department of Transportation to remove truck drivers who are not fluent in English. Duffy’s move directly responds to President Donald Trump’s executive order on April 28.

Under the order, Trump directed the revision of the English Language Proficiency Testing and Enforcement Policy. In 2016, under former President Barack Obama, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) removed the penalty of placing drivers out of service for violating federal English Language Proficiency. The Obama Administration relaxed the penalties for a citation.

However, Trump’s executive order changes it back to forcing drivers off the road.

“It is the policy of my Administration to support America’s truckers and safeguard our roadways by enforcing the commonsense English-language requirement for commercial motor vehicle drivers and removing needless regulatory burdens that undermine the working conditions of America’s truck drivers,” Trump states in his executive order, adding that it “will help ensure a safe, secure, and efficient motor carrier industry.”

Concerns For Truck Drivers Who Speak English As A Second Language

The American Truck Association has praised Trump for the new penalties under the executive order in a statement.

“We thank the Trump Administration for responding to our concerns on the uneven application of this existing regulation, and we look forward to working with FMCSA and the law enforcement community on an objective, consistent, and effective enforcement standard.”

However, others are concerned that the new guidance will lead to discrimination on the road as law enforcement agencies decide who to pull over to take the English proficiency test.

According to data from the Department of Transportation, nearly 4% of CDL holders are limited in English proficiency. An estimated 16% identify as immigrants.

“Is it someone who has an accent or maybe someone who wears a turban?” Mannirmal Kaur, senior federal policy manager for the Sikh Coalition, told NBC News. “Being ordered out of service could potentially be unemployment for the truck driver … with potentially limited recourse.”

Lil Wayne, Travis Hunter, sports agent, football. NFL

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 21, 2025

No ‘Special Treatment’ Here: Judge Denies Travis Hunter Jr’s Dad’s Request To Modify Sentence

Judge Howard Coates ruled that he doesn't want to give the older Hunter 'special treatment' since Travis Jr. was recently drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

A judge overseeing Travis Hunter’s father’s criminal case has denied Travis Sr. a request to modify his sentence because he doesn’t want to appear like he is giving him “special treatment.”

The younger Hunter, who won the Heisman Trophy last year, was recently drafted second overall by the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars.

According to USA Today, Judge Howard Coates ruled that there will be no changes after Travis Sr. asked the court to convert his remaining sentence of community control supervision to a less restrictive form of probation. He requested that action so he can “assist his son with furthering his very promising career with the National Football League.”

After hearing Travis Sr.’s attorney, Bradford Cohen, plead for the alteration, the judge didn’t buy the reasoning behind the request.

“I hear these circumstances have changed, you know, my hat’s off to his son,” Coates said. “I don’t know that changes the father’s situation for me. In fact, it’s given me some concern that you’re almost arguing for special treatment.”

“That’s not special treatment; I’m not looking at that,” Cohen said after telling him that Travis Jr. can give his father “stable housing and a stable environment.”

“So say you, but probably 99 percent of the public out there that doesn’t have an athlete son who’s incredibly successful, might look at this and say, ‘This sounds like special treatment for the athlete’s father,’” the judge responded.

With that, the judge denied the request.

However, in April, Coates gave the older Hunter permission to travel to Green Bay for the NFL Draft to be with his son. He also granted Travis Sr. the opportunity to go to Tennessee to see Travis Jr. get married this weekend.

Travis Sr. is currently serving three years of probation in Palm Beach County, Florida, after he was convicted of gun and drug charges last year.

Marcus Jordan, credit card debt, lawsuit, credit card lawsuit

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 21, 2025

Marcus Jordan Announces 40 Days Of Sobriety Months After Drug-Related Arrest

He was charged with cocaine possession, resisting arrest, and DUI property damage or personal injury after a traffic stop in February

After being arrested in February on multiple charges related to his reported drug use, Marcus Jordan recently posted on social media that he has surpassed 40 days of sobriety.

According to TMZ, the son of NBA great Michael Jordan posted to his Instagram Story on May 18 that he was celebrating 40 days of not using any drugs, months after being caught on the road by Florida police officers.

In February, according to WESH, Marcus was arrested by the Maitland Police Department and charged with cocaine possession, resisting arrest, and DUI property damage or personal injury. He was booked into the Orange County Jail in Orlando. The former basketball player was arrested after he took off after a traffic stop by the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. Police officers noticed headlights from Jordan’s Lamborghini on the train tracks. The vehicle wasn’t moving, and a train was heading his way on the tracks about 10 minutes away. When officers reached out to him, he asked them to help get the SUV off the tracks after making “a wrong turn.”

TMZ reported that he entered a plea of not guilty in his initial court appearance.

People reported in March that Marcus’s attorney requested that his client be allowed to enter a substance abuse program after he admitted to having a problem.

“Mr. Jordan is dedicated to becoming a responsible, drug-free, and productive member of the community,” according to legal documents. “His participation in the Pre-Trial Substance Abuse Education and Treatment Intervention Program will not only benefit him personally but also serve the community by reducing the likelihood of future offenses.”

According to CBS Sports, Marcus tried to follow in the footsteps of her legendary father when he played at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. He attended the school from 2009-2012, where he averaged 12.3 points per game. He owns Trophy Room, an upscale sneaker and apparel boutique which is based in Orlando.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 21, 2025

Taraji P. Henson Says Hollywood ‘Lied to Me’ About Black Stars Translating Overseas

Taraji P. Henson reflects on the moment she recognized her true worth in Hollywood, despite years of being led to believe otherwise.

Taraji P. Henson is opening up about how her month-long retreat in Bali helped reshape her perspective on Hollywood and the value she adds to it.

The Golden Globe winner sat down with Stacy L. Smith, founder of the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, at the Cannes Film Festival for a Kering Women in Motion Talk, where she recalled the moment she realized she was worth far more than the entertainment industry had been leading her to believe. It took an overseas press run with Lee Daniels for the hit series Empire that helped Henson open her eyes to her global reach as an actress.

“When I did the international press for ‘Empire,’ up until then I was told Black doesn’t translate overseas,” Henson told the crowd, as captured by Variety. “Really? We went to Paris. Lee Daniels kept me a secret to the audience at a Q&A. The fans started asking the Cookie questions, and he said, ‘Why don’t you ask her.’ Before he could finish saying my name, the entire room erupted in applause and was screaming. For me? I got up on the stage and I ugly-faced cried.”

“The myth was busting. You lied to me my entire career. I leave the stage, and there are fans outside who know my name. That changed the game,” she added.

Frustrated by the lack of leading roles, pay gaps, and limited awards recognition for women of color, Henson took a month-long retreat to Bali after feeling “discouraged” about her career.

“I was just frustrated, and it was making me bitter, and I’m not a bitter person,” Henson said. “I made a promise to myself if I ever got there, then it’s time to walk away. I’m not serving myself or the audience or the characters I play. Thank god I did that. I came back refreshed and with a new perspective.

Henson realized that she needed to “stop chasing things I never came into the industry for,” like awards, and take time to “refocus.” Her time away allowed her to reflect on how graceful she’s been with “accepting less pay.” But declared, “Not anymore though!”

After her month-long break in Bali, The Color Purple star shifted her energy toward business ventures like her beauty brand TPH, to ensure paychecks outside of Hollywood. The shift follows Henson’s decision in 2023 to take an extended stay in Bali after feeling burnt out by the industry. Now, she’s urging others, especially women of color, to stand up for themselves and never settle for less than they deserve.

“I urge you all to speak up for yourself,” Henson told the room of women. “I have worked my butt off to garner the following I have. My following rides for me. That’s an audience I procured through my hard work and the characters I play. I know a studio, when they call on me, they are calling on me because they know all these people are going to come and show up. That’s my power. You need me because you need my following. Thank you, social media. Once I figured that out, I just started speaking up for myself.”

Gilbert Arenas, Washington. Wizards,, NBA, salary

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 21, 2025

Gilbert Arenas Faults Son’s Cybertruck Malfunctioning For Life-Threatening Accident

Alijah, a USC basketball recruit, was placed in a medically induced coma, but he has recovered

In a recent podcast interview, former NBA player Gilbert Arenas discussed his son Alijah’s car accident that almost took his life.

According to CBS Sports, Arenas talked about the accident that his son was in when the vehicle crashed into a tree and a fire hydrant. After being placed in a medically induced coma, Alijah, after being intubated, is on the road to recovery, and Gilbert explained what happened to his son when the accident took place.

While appearing on All The Smoke, Arenas told former NBA player Matt Barnes that the Tesla Cybertruck that Alijah was driving malfunctioned, causing his son to be stuck in the vehicle for at least ten minutes. The vehicle caught on fire, and Alijah was unable to free himself because the windows were bulletproof and he couldn’t break the glass to remove himself from it.

After the Cybertruck malfunctioned, it left the steering wheel limp, which caused him to run into a tree.

“The car malfunctioned on him,” Arenas said. “The steering wheel went limp and ran him right into a tree.”

Arenas said his son tried to call 911 and was on the phone with the operator for ten minutes as he tried to kick out the windows and couldn’t.

“He couldn’t break the window. I seen that people were like, ‘Oh, he fell asleep.’ I’m looking at, he’s on the phone with 9-1-1 — I’m trying to get that call — he’s on the phone with them for 10 minutes, so I know he was at least in the car for ten minutes.”

He also had some advice for any parents who may purchase a Cybertruck for their children.

“If you are a parent and your teen has this car, you might want to put a hammer in that joint, something that can break the window. Because physically, he said he was trying to kick the window in and couldn’t.”

Alijah currently plays basketball at Chatsworth High School in Los Angeles and is the No. 13-ranked recruit in the class of 2025. He has already committed to play for the University of Southern California Trojans.

Diddy, delay, trial, judge Prison, Sean combs

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 21, 2025

Diddy’s $400M Net Worth Is At Risk If Government Seizes His Assets

Sean “Diddy” Combs once boasted billionaire status, but amid federal investigations into sex trafficking and racketeering allegations, the $400 million remaining of his net worth is reportedly at risk of government seizure.

The legal team for the embattled hip-hop mogul has brought on a former federal prosecutor with three decades of experience specializing in asset forfeiture and money laundering at the Department of Justice, Fox News reports. The move comes as Combs tries to protect a range of assets, including real estate, luxury items, and business ventures, that could be targeted by the government.

“RICO forfeiture is intended to be very broad, and so it has significant consequences,” Stefan Cassella told USA Today, citing the limited details he could share about Diddy’s case because of his involvement as a consultant. “So, it’s going to boil down to what they can prove was part of the enterprise.”

Combs, whose trial began this month, is facing serious legal trouble with a series of federal charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and transportation for prostitution. The RICO charges brought by the U.S. Department of Justice also mean he risks losing any assets tied to alleged criminal activity.

“This is a very, very broadly phrased forfeiture allegation. It doesn’t look like there was any sort of pre-indictment seizures that they’re counting towards it,” former DOJ Organized Crime and Gang Section Chief Jim Trusty told CNN‘s Laura Coates.

“And they’ve named the enterprise in a very broad way, the RICO. The RICO is essentially anything he touched in his business world, whether it’s record labels, liquor labels, planes, trains, and automobiles.”

CNN reports that Forbes estimates Diddy’s net worth is still at $400 million — a major drop from the $1 billion reported in 2022 — revealing that Diddy’s wealth is in jeopardy, and warning that if Diddy is convicted, the government could seize all of Diddy's money and assets from… pic.twitter.com/zzGEq5Za7L
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) May 20, 2025

What’s potentially on the chopping block? Several high-end properties, including a nearly $40 million estate in L.A.’s Holmby Hills, a $5.25 million home in Toluca Lake, two side-by-side waterfront mansions on Miami’s Star Island purchased for $35 million, $14.5 million, and a Miami condo valued at nearly $3 million.

In addition to his real estate, Combs owns a $25 million Gulfstream G550 jet through his company LoveAir LLC and a luxury car collection valued at approximately $1.6 million in addition to his real estate. The lineup includes a $500,000 Rolls-Royce Phantom, a Ferrari 360 Spider, a Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder, and a Cadillac Escalade.

The Bad Boy founder also owns a notable art collection, including Kerry James Marshall’s Past Times, which he purchased at Sotheby’s for $21.1 million in 2018. His business empire is also potentially at risk, including Bad Boy Records, his parent company Combs Global, which oversees Combs Wines and Spirits, Revolt Media, the Sean John fashion and fragrance lines, and his nonprofit, the Sean Combs Foundation.

“Anything [Combs] did as an artist probably has lost substantial value, as has his brand,” John Branca, Michael Jackson’s estate attorney, told Forbes.

by Keka Araújo

May 21, 2025

Candace Owens Gives Harvey Weinstein A Platform To Profess His Innocence

He admitted to past infidelity and being a demanding and difficult boss, but firmly denied committing the crimes he’s accused of.

While his retrial on rape and criminal sexual act charges continues, Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced movie mogul, has broken his long silence in a rare on-camera interview with far-right political commentator Candace Owens.

Owens claims this is Weinstein’s first such interview in eight years. The interview was released on May 20, coinciding with crucial testimony in his ongoing trial.

In the interview, Weinstein addressed the charges against him, saying, “I believe women should be heard, but I’m wrongfully convicted. And right now, I’m not convicted, and I’m on a retrial. An appeal overturned my conviction. But justice demands a clear, honest look at each case, and I am here for fairness and the truth.”

He admitted to past infidelity and being a demanding and difficult boss, but firmly denied committing the crimes he’s accused of.

“I did not commit these crimes. I swear that before God and the people watching now and on my family. I’m wrongfully accused,” Weinstein stated.

The release of the interview is notable as it occurred while Weinstein is undergoing a retrial in New York. He faces allegations of a 2013 rape from Jessica Mann as well as criminal sexual act charges from Miriam Haley related to a 2006 incident, and a similar charge from Kaja Sokola, also from 2006. Legal experts have pointed out the unusual nature of a defendant giving a public interview during an ongoing criminal trial.

Weinstein also discussed the reaction of his former allies in Hollywood, claiming they had distanced themselves out of fear of being “canceled.”

“They are frightened to death. They are frightened that they’re going to be canceled, that they’re not going to be able to work. I tried to get my people to stand up and even testify in the trial. And nothing,” he said.

Regarding Gwyneth Paltrow’s past accusations of unwanted advances, Weinstein called her account a “complete fabrication,” though he admitted to making a pass during a meeting. “At the end of the meeting, we had a glass of Champagne. As I was walking out the door, I said to her, ‘I’d love you to give me a massage’,” he recounted.

Weinstein also portrayed himself as a target of the #MeToo movement, stating, “They wanted me, and they wanted me in jail forever.” He criticized media coverage, particularly from The New York Times, and downplayed the film She Said.

Owens, a far-right commentator who has been criticized for antisemitic remarks, conducted the interview. Weinstein, a longtime Democratic supporter, praised Owens and Joe Rogan for their support and belief in his innocence.

Juda Engelmayer, Weinstein’s spokesperson, lauded Owens’ approach, saying she brought “objectivity that has been sorely missing in the media coverage.”

The prosecution in Weinstein’s retrial is expected to rest its case by May 28.

Weinstein concluded his remarks in the interview by saying, “I hurt my family. I hurt my friends. I cheated on my wife. And that was a mistake, you know, a terrible mistake. But I did not commit these crimes.”

Oakland, Barbara Lee, California, race, mayor, hate crime

by Sharelle B. McNair

May 21, 2025

Barbara Lee Vows To Make Her Hometown Better By Being Sworn In As Oakland’s 1st Black Woman Mayor

Lee pushed for investments in the city and promised to spend taxpayer dollars more effectively with a commitment to transparency and accountability.

While being sworn in as Oakland, California’s 52nd and first Black woman mayor, Barbara Lee promised to get her hometown “back on the right track,” Politico reports.

After the former congresswoman lost her Senate primary campaign and witnessed the downfall of her predecessor, Lee is supporting efforts to tackle rising issues in the city, like crime and budget problems. Lee promises to bring hope back.

“We are entering a new era for Oakland. I know this city faces serious challenges—budget deficits, public safety, housing, and homelessness—but I also know who we are: a city of dreamers, doers, and fighters. We punch above our weight, and we show up for each other,” Lee, 78, wrote on X.

“As Mayor, I’m committed to rebuilding trust, restoring services, and delivering real results for our neighborhoods—from cleaner streets to safer communities to more affordable homes.”

https://twitter.com/BarbaraLee_CA/status/1924968879350268256

Admitting that it’s “not going to be easy,” the historymaker — known as the first Black woman to represent in the State Assembly, State Senate, Congress, and now the first Black woman to serve as Mayor of Oakland — is up against an estimated $87 million spending gap, on the brink of bankruptcy, on top of a growing issue of homelessness and rising costs of housing. Political consultant Jason Overman said the budget concern may be the most significant obstacle for Lee. “She’s going to be inheriting all of it but will still be expected to wave the magic wand she’s perceived to have built over the past few decades in Congress,” he said.

“This existential of a budget crisis has a funny way of shortening political honeymoons.”

However, Lee revealed a plan during her swearing-in ceremony instead of pointing the blame at past leadership. She pushed for investments in the city and promised to spend taxpayer dollars more effectively with a commitment to transparency and accountability.

“I want to reinstill hope, you were clear about wanting a government that you can trust to solve our fiscal challenges, safety, housing and homelessness challenges,” she said.

Congresswoman Lateefah Simon called Lee “a champion for human rights, the forgotten, for peace and democracy,” according to KTVU. Lee supported those thoughts by highlighting what she wants to do within the first 100 days of her tenure. Her team will bring in people “from all walks of life” to identify better ways that City Hall can serve the city’s capacity and “usher in a new era of prosperity and progress.”

Supporters on social media seemingly have faith in the new mayor, sending her well wishes and hope for a better lay of the land. “Mayor Lee, I have always admired your conviction & clear-eyed vision for what is needed to improve our society,” @funkybatdraws wrote. “As a former constituent of your District, I pray you can be an effective agent for positive change in Oakland. It’s a wonderful city, but it needs some hard medicine!”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 21, 2025

Kid Cudi To Testify In Diddy Trial Following Cassie’s Claims That Mogul Blew Up Rapper’s Car

The rapper's car was reportedly blown up by Diddy in a jealous rage over his relationship with Cassie.

Kid Cudi will reportedly take the stand in the sex trafficking trial against Sean “Diddy” Combs.

His appearance as a witness will likely address claims made by Cassie Ventura that Combs blew up the rapper’s car. Rolling Stone confirmed that the prosecution will bring Cudi to the stand to speak.

Kid Cudi will take the stand this week as a witness for the prosecution in Sean Combs' trial.

Combs was accused of having Cudi's car blown up amid his relationship with Cassiehttps://t.co/rRlrJWywQp pic.twitter.com/mbiWTnCroE
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) May 20, 2025

Cudi’s involvement in the case gained traction after Cassie detailed Combs’ reaction to her dating the “Day ‘n’ Nite” rapper. Listed in her November 2024 lawsuit against the media mogul, Cassie recalled how Combs became jealous of her new relationship, resorting to violent means to express his anger.

“Mr. Combs grew so angry about her dating the rapper Kid Cudi that he said he would blow up the rapper’s car,” the filing states.

The lawsuit added, “Kid Cudi’s car exploded in his driveway.”

Cudi’s spokesperson also confirmed that his car had exploded during that time. His testimony will follow others surrounding Combs and his alleged treatment of Ventura.

Cassie, the star witness in the trial, already took the stand last week. She detailed the alleged “Freak Offs” she had during her decades-long relationship with the Bad Boy Records founder. She also explained more about the 2018 Intercontinental Hotel video, which showed Combs physically assaulting her in the hotel’s hallway.

Cassie’s mother, Regina Ventura, also claims that Combs demanded she pay him $20,000 to “recoup money” he spent on the “Me & U” singer and her career. The elder Ventura said she paid up after Combs threatened to release video of her daughter participating in the sex acts. Combs is currently facing charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution.

Other witnesses, including a male escort involved in the “Freak offs” and Cassie’s ex-best friend, Keri Morgan, proceeded to testify. Diddy allegedly assaulted Morgan to find out who Cassie was cheating on him with. Combs reportedly choked Morgan and hit her on the head with a wooden hanger, resulting in a concussion.

She claims to have signed an NDA while he offered her $30,000 for silence. Although she obtained an attorney following the ordeal, Morgan never pressed charges.

However, the prosecution will continue pleading its case to the jury with the inclusion of Kid Cudi. No exact date of when he will appear in court has been revealed to the public.