Trump, Black History Month, Tiger Woods, grants, whitney Plantation,
by Mary Spiller

February 7, 2025

Executive Order Confusion Causes NYC Housing Officials To Delay Section 8 Landlord Payments

The rescinded government order to pause federal funding caused the New York City Housing Authority to delay payments this month.

President Donald Trump’s recent proposed federal funding freeze has caused the New York City Housing Authority to delay rent payments on Feb 3. The payments have not gone out to landlords who lease apartments to Section 8 housing tenants, causing issues across the city.

The New York City Housing Authority oversees the federal Section 8 program for nearly 100,000 households across the five boroughs, usually receiving around $2 billion a year from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to distribute to private landlords at the start of every month as compensation for tenants.

However, while New York landlords expected to receive their usual monthly rent checks on Monday morning, many did not.

According to Jay Martin, senior vice president of the landlord trade group New York Apartment Association, over a dozen property owners who own hundreds of apartments contacted him on Monday after they did not receive their checks.

“My phone is like a hotline right now,” one landlord described to Gothamist. “All my small landlords are freaking out.”

Michael Horgan, a New York City Housing Authority spokesperson, said the delay was caused by a directive last week from the Trump administration ordering all federal agencies to pause payments. The White House rolled back the order, but widespread confusion and breakdowns in the government payment system persisted.

Relief was in sight. “As of this morning, NYCHA has received funding for the Section 8 program and has immediately begun processing,” Horgan said. “Property owners will receive the electronic funds transfer within one business day.”

But not everyone was happy about waiting.

“Landlords’ confidence in the programs is what makes them successful,” said Rachel Fee, executive director of the nonprofit New York Housing Conference. “Payment delays and funding uncertainty can shock the affordable housing community, affecting building owners and tenants.”

“One day is significant,” added the New York Apartment Association. “We really need to make sure the government and NYCHA make sure this doesn’t happen again.”

RELATED CONTENT: OPINION: Former President Barack Obama Booed At Trump’s Inauguration: A New Low For Republican Decorum

black fashion brands, black designers, Telfar Clemens
by Ahsan Washington

February 7, 2025

10 Fashion Brands That Boast Black Excellence 

Black designers and brands have the fashion industry in a chokehold.

Fashion remains an integral artform of Black cultural expression in artistic, social, and professional spaces. Black designers and brands have the fashion industry in a chokehold with innovative concepts and ideas that translate Black excellence and thus, transformed into thriving business and economic bridges. BLACK ENTERPRISE recognizes the creative spirit, value, and benevolence in each of the following brands. 

1.) L’enchanteur

Identical sisters Dynasty and Soull Ogun Launched L’enchanteur in 2017. L’enchanteur is an accessory goldmine that sells fine jewelry, chic eyewear, unique clothing, as well as sculptures that range in price. A single “Golden Nap Roller” runs for $220 on the site and “Maharaja Serene Tennis Bracelet” is $5,888. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, the sisters’ fashion house is heavily inspired by their spirituality, religion, color theory, numerology, fairy tales and magic, according to the brand’s website. The pieces are so enchanting at L’enchanteur, they are bound to “Transform your Lifestyle,” which happens to be the brand motto. Celebrities who have donned their wares include Jay-Z, Gunna, Will Smith, Mary J. Blige, and Missy Elliott to name a few. 

2.) Telfar 

Created and founded by Queens native Telfar Clemons in 2005, Telfar is a unisex brand that specializes in luxury vegan leather handbags. The brand’s tagline is “It’s not for you—it’s for everyone” is apropos considering its items are cult classics that sell out quickly. Telfar’s flagship store in SoHo, New York City opened in November 2024 to celebrate the fashion house’s 20th year in business.

3.) Billionaire Boys Club

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Black Ambition (@blackambitionprize)

Pharrell Williams kickstarted Billionaire Boys Club in 2003 and partnered with fashion designer NIGO. The brand has two flagship stores in the United States: Miami and New York; as well as in London and another in Tokyo. Billionaire Boys Club continues to inspire and influence the fashion game with its mix of luxury and streetwear that  remains true to its originality, creativity, embodying the brands catchphrase: “Wealth is us the heart and mind, not the pocket.”

4.) ALL CAP STUDIO

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by All Caps Studio (New Account) (@allcapsstudioco)

Created by Saeed Ferguson, ALL CAP STUDIO clothing pulls inspiration from the world around him—nature, humanity, spirituality. ALL CAP STUDIO started its journey in 2019, at the actual studio located in Philadelphia. ALL CAP STUDIO is a brand that supports the community, authenticity, and creative empowerment. 

5.) Heron Preston

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by GHOST (@heron)

Heron Preston has worked with big names in the fashion industry such as Ye and the late fashion innovator Virgil Abloh. The brand that bears its creative director’s name, Heron Preston Johnson, was set in motion in 2017. Heron Preston designs clothing with an eclectic mind and creates contemporary luxury that is eco friendly. Heron Preston prides itself with giving back and being a pillar to the community. 

6.) Joe Freshgoods

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Joefreshgoods (@joefreshgoods)

In 2014, designer and creative director Joe Robinson started Fat Tiger Workshop in Chicago. The concept birthed Robinson’s Joe FreshGOODs INC, the brand fashion buffs know today. Joe Fresh Goods Clothing draws its inspiration from Black culture and weaves Black storytelling into the design around his products and goods. Joe Freshgoods is still based out of Chicago and continues to grow. Its latest venture is a brand partnership with New Balance sportswear. 

7.) Ciriaco 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by CIRIACO (@madebyciriaco)

Atlanta native Ashely Ciriaco launched Ciriaco in 2020 with its first handbag. Ciriaco pulls inspiration from the 2000s fashion scene in New York City. The handbags boast vibrant colors, patterns and shades, and are paired with a signature asymmetrical design that brings a refreshing feel to a classic accessory.

8.) Brother Vellies 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Aurora James 🦢 (@aurorajames)

Brother Vellies was founded by creative director Aurora James in 2013. Brother Vellies’ mission is to stay true to orthodox African design while creating one-of-a-kind, handmade luxurious fashion. The brand is produced globally, in multiple diaspora regions including Kenya, Haiti, and Ethiopia, as well New York City. James is dedicated to giving back to the community, as 1 percent of all purchases go to a non-profit organization. James also created the 15% pledge which appeals to businesses allowing 15% self space to Black-owned Brands.

9.) B.Stroy

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Brick (@brickowens)

B.Stroy was founded by Dieter Grams and Brick Owens in Atlanta in 2013 and is now based in NYC. Grams and Owens are self-taught designers who took streetwear to an edgy level. This high concept brand gathers inspiration from a need for justice and everyday working class people. The company is primarily sold direct-to-customer through online sales. 

10.) Denim Tears

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Denim Tears (@denimtears)

Tremaine Emory was born in Atlanta, but his brand Denim Tears was born in New York City; Emory was raised in Queens. Emory launched Denim Tears 2019. The brand is rooted in Black culture. Each of Denim Tears’ collections draws inspiration and tells a story of the African Diaspora. The brand design has made its way into the permanent collection of The Met Costume Institute. 

RELATED CONTENT: Renowned Designer Launches 3 Gender-Neutral Fragrances In Native St. Croix After Losing Eyesight

sausage, recall, pen, contamination, Boudain
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 7, 2025

DJ’s Boudain Recalls Over 17,000 Pounds Of Sausage Links Due To Pen Contamination

DJ’s Boudain, LLC, a Beaumont, Texas-based company, recalls approximately 17,720 pounds of Boudain sausage link products after reports of potential contamination with foreign materials, specifically pen pieces. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall today.

The affected fresh and frozen boudain sausage link items were produced on Jan. 23, 2025, and shipped to distributors, restaurants, and retail locations across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Consumers, retailers, and restaurants are urged to check their inventories and immediately stop using the recalled products.

Recalled Product Details

The products subject to recall can be identified by establishment number “EST. 13246” inside the USDA mark of inspection. Detailed product information and labels are available on the FSIS website.

The issue emerged after a consumer complaint revealed the discovery of a pen piece in the Original Boudain sausage links. This complaint led to the identification of one reported oral injury linked to consuming the contaminated product. While no additional reports of injury or illness have been received, FSIS advises anyone concerned to contact a healthcare provider.

Consumer and Retailer Guidance

FSIS has expressed concern that the recalled sausage links may still be in refrigerators and freezers at consumer homes, retail outlets, and restaurants. Individuals and establishments with the affected products should discard them immediately or return them to the point of purchase.

Restaurants and retailers are also urged to ensure that recalled items are not served or sold to patrons.

Public Safety Measures

DJ’s Boudain, LLC, is working closely with FSIS to ensure that all customers are notified of the recall and that the affected products are removed from circulation. FSIS will conduct routine recall effectiveness checks to confirm compliance.

Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Jonathan Wallace, Vice President of Operations at DJ’s Boudain, LLC, at 409-842-0558 ext. 111 or via email at jwallace@djsboudain.com.

Additionally, consumers with food safety questions can call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854 or email MPHotline@usda.gov. They can also submit complaints about meat, poultry, or egg products through the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System, available 24 hours a day at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.

No Widespread Harm Reported

Thus far, only one oral injury has been associated with the recalled products, and no other illnesses have been reported. FSIS emphasizes that while the immediate health risk appears limited, consumers and businesses must promptly remove these items from circulation to ensure public safety.

What to Do Next

Consumers who have purchased the recalled sausage links should check for the establishment number “EST. 13246” and the Jan. 23, 2025 production date. If the product matches the recall details, it should not be consumed under any circumstances.

Retailers and restaurants should verify inventories and stop selling or serving the affected items. To prevent further incidents, products should be returned or safely discarded.

Commitment to Safety

This recall underscores the importance of vigilance in food safety and the proactive measures taken to protect consumers. DJ Boudain and FSIS are working to resolve the issue quickly and effectively, ensuring such incidents are mitigated.

For updates on this recall and to view distribution details, visit the FSIS recall page at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

RELATED CONTENT: Dentist Sentenced To 15 Years In Prison For Stealing Patients’ Pain Meds During Surgery

J Dilla, Detroit
by Mary Spiller

February 7, 2025

WADDUP DOE? City Of Detroit Honors Hip-Hop Legend J Dilla With Street Naming And His Own Day

The street signe is at the corner of Nevada and Charest Streets, near the producer's childhood home.

Producer legend J Dilla has been honored two decades after his death. City officials have put up a street sign in Detroit named after him and declared Feb. 7 J Dilla Day.

The street sign was unveiled in Detroit on Thursday, Feb. 6, and the event finally came to reality after the dedication was first announced to be underway in October 2024. The Detroit City Council voted and agreed to honor five Motor City heroes, including James Dewitt “J Dilla” Yancey, Vincent Chin, Earl Cureton, Horace Sheffield Jr., and Joseph Anthony “Amp” Fiddler.

J Dilla’s street sign is on the east side of Detroit, near his childhood home, at the corner of Nevada and Charest Streets.

As reported by FOX 2, J Dilla’s daughters played a huge role in bringing the dedication to fruition. Ja’Mya Yancey and Ty-Monae Whitlow attended the East Detroit unveiling event.

The girls spoke on their father’s legacy at the dedication.

Yancey began, “This is long overdue for my father. He left it up to us, his family, to continue to make sure that his genius was not left behind or forgotten … And that’s exactly what we are doing, have been doing, and will continue to do.”

Yancey and Whitlow continued to recall how they worked to get a street named after Dilla, explaining that they went through the East Detroit neighborhood and collected signatures for the required city council petition.

Yancey shared, “We were out here, on foot, getting signatures from people. It was so good to see that people were like, ‘Oh yeah! I know exactly who you’re talking about. We’ll support it!’ He put his stamp on the map, everyone knows his stamp’s on the map, and now it’s official. It’s on the street!”

J Dilla died at just 32 years old on Feb. 10, 2006, in his Los Angeles home of lupus.

RELATED CONTENT: Robin Washington Named Salesforce’s New COFO Amid Company’s Transformation Into Agentic Era

Sterling SHarpe , Hall of Fame, NFL
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 7, 2025

Former Green Bay Packer Sterling Sharpe Makes History By Joining Younger Brother Shannon In Pro Football Hall Of Fame

With Sterling induction, he and Shannon become the first brothers to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame

History has been made as Sterling Sharpe, older brother of Shannon, joins his sibling in the NFL Hall of Fame, making them the first brothers to be inducted into the institution.

During this year’s NFL Honors, the league revealed that the latest inductees into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class are Sterling, Eric Allen, Antonio Gates, and Jared Allen (No relation to Eric). The NFL released a video of all four inductees being told about being selected for this year’s class. Shannon gladly informed Sterling of the good news of becoming a part of an elite class of athletes.

For Sterling, it was a long time coming to follow his brother into the Hall of Fame after Shannon was inducted nearly 15 years ago in 2011. Although his career was not as long as Shannon’s (14 seasons), the seven years he was in the league were impactful. He spent his whole career with the Green Bay Packers as a three-time first-team All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver. A neck injury shortened his Hall of Fame career after he caught a league-high 18 touchdowns in his final season in 1994.

The NFL posted the acceptance speech Shannon gave in 2011 where he acknowledged Sterling being the better player of the two on the night he was being honored for his illustrious career. He stated that he was the second-best player in his family, drawing applause from the Hall of Fame audience.

The Green Bay Gazette reported that Packers President Mark Murphy released a statement pertaining to Sterling’s induction.

“On behalf of the entire Green Bay Packers organization, I want to congratulate Sterling on his long overdue election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He left an indelible mark as one of the greatest players of his generation while also directly contributing to the revival of the Packers during the 1990s.

“We are extremely happy for Sterling and his family and are forever grateful for all that he gave and accomplished with the Packers.”

RELATED CONTENT: Robin Washington Named Salesforce’s New COFO Amid Company’s Transformation Into Agentic Era

Tuskegee, HBCU, campus fashion
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 7, 2025

National Signing Day Allowed These HBCUs To Add Players To Their Rosters

These 10 HBCUs picked up players for next season

College football’s National Signing Day (the initial day a high school athlete can sign with a college or a college student can transfer to another school) took place Feb. 5 and several of the signings occurred at 10 HBCUs.

According to HBCU Sports, there was a lot of activity earlier this week, with schools populating their rosters for the upcoming football season. Here’s a list of some of the schools and the transactions that went down on signing day

We will start with the two participants of last year’s HBCU Celebration Bowl:

Jackson State University, winners of the Celebration Bowl, announced that the team has picked up two FBS (NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision) transfers, including linebacker Carmello Jones.

South Carolina State University added safety Charles Arnold and 15 other players, eight of whom played for other schools last season.

Mississippi Valley State, who recently hired Super Bowl champion Terrell Buckley, signed 27 players.

Norfolk State University, with its new head coach, former NFL quarterback Michael Vick, picked up seven players transferring from other HBCUs.

Grambling State University obtained former Southern University quarterback Zae Teasett.

Florida A&M University was able to sign 27 players, including two quarterbacks, Tyler Jefferson from Western Michigan University and Roman Purcell from Indiana University.

Southern University is bringing in 2023 Louisiana State University championship MVP quarterback Zackeus Malveaux and has gotten 29 commitments, including 10 junior college transfers.

North Carolina A&T University, with their new coach, Shawn Gibbs, recruited five offensive linemen, including Fort Valley State University transfer, Andrew Dorsey.

Alcorn State added to its offensive line with three new players, featuring Norfolk State University transfer, Jaden Bryant.

Virginia Union University, who won the CIAA championship the past two years, signed 10 defensive players to add to its roster.

RELATED CONTENT: Coco Jones To Perform National Anthem At College Football Playoff National Championship

WORKPLACE, Bullying, return to office, RTO
by Jameelah Mullen

February 7, 2025

Deadline Approaches As Thousands Of Federal Remote Workers Required To Return To Office

The policy does allow exceptions for employees with disabilities

Federal workers in two government departments, the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), have been informed that they must return to the office, due to abrupt changes introduced by the Trump administration.

On his first day in office, the president signed a mandate requiring workers to return to the office. He cited his desire to improve the government’s efficiency and performance as the reasons for this policy. 

In a Jan. 31 memorandum obtained by Federal News Network and issued by newly appointed defense secretary Pete Hegseth, DoD employees were told they had a week to return to the office. 

“DoD components will terminate telework and remote work agreements for all DoD employees who work remotely or via telework within 50 miles of their agency worksite,” he wrote in the memo. “Employees must report full-time in person to their agency worksite no later than seven days from the date of this memorandum.”

Non-unionized employees of the VA must return to the offices by Feb. 24. 

“Political appointees, senior executive service members, SES equivalents, senior level and scientific and professional employees will no longer be eligible for remote work arrangements. By Feb. 24, 2025, their telework agreements will be terminated, except for ad hoc or situational telework,”  an office memo posted on the VA News website states. 

The policy does allow exceptions for employees with disabilities or extenuating circumstances. It will also accommodate employees with spouses serving in the military who are stationed in cities without an office. 

Everett Kelley, national president of the American Federation of Government Employees, accuses President Trump of infringing on federal employee rights. 

“President Trump’s order is a blatant attempt to corrupt the federal government by eliminating employees’ due process rights so they can be fired for political reasons. It will remove hundreds of thousands of federal jobs from the nonpartisan, professional civil service and make them answerable to the will of one man,” Everett Kelley, national president of the American Federation of Government Employees, said in a statement.

According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, federal employees who do not wish to return to the office have been advised to resign by February 6. According to the agency, resigning employees will retain their pay and benefits until September 2025.

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) reports that more than half ( 54%) of 2.3 million federal workers work in offices, and only 10% work remotely.

RELATED CONTENT: 20K Federal Employees Are Accepting Elon Musk’s Resignation Offer

Pras Michel, tour, conviction, FBI, Fugees, rapper
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 7, 2025

Trump Considers Pardon For Pras Michel Ahead Of Possible 22-Year Sentence

The Grammy-winning rapper has been seeking an appeal

Pras Michel of The Fugees could be pardoned from the 22-year prison sentence he’s facing on federal conspiracy and corruption charges thanks to Donald Trump.

Rumor has it that Pras’s clemency request is being handled by Adam Katz, the attorney who has represented multiple Trump allies, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Among them include Rudy Giuliani in his efforts to challenge the 2020 presidential election, Steve Bannon in his contempt of Congress case for refusing to testify before the Jan. 6 committee, and a Southern California businesswoman sentenced to 26 months for fraud after her brother made his first federal political donation — $50,000 to Trump’s 2020 re-election campaign.

Pras’s long-standing connection to the current Commander-in-Chief could potentially play to his advantage in overturning his felony convictions and avoiding a lengthy prison sentence.

The Grammy-winning rapper has been seeking an appeal after his trial attorney went viral for misusing artificial intelligence to draft closing arguments, which contributed to Pras’ conviction. His publicist, Erica Dumas, said that the legal team is “exploring all available options following his case” and remains “optimistic about potential paths forward.”

In April 2023, Pras was convicted on 10 felony counts related to his ties with a Malaysian billionaire accused of embezzling billions from the country’s sovereign wealth fund, 1MDB. The U.S. Justice Department prosecuted the rapper-producer for his involvement in what the FBI described as the “largest kleptocracy case to date.”

The scandal included multiple countries and key players with Malaysia’s prime minister, a senior Goldman Sachs banker, and a key fundraiser from Donald Trump’s first presidential campaign being brought down. It also implicated several Hollywood figures, including Leonardo DiCaprio, who had formed a connection with the scheme’s alleged mastermind.

Given the fundraiser’s connection to the case and Trump’s own recent scrutiny by the same Justice Department public corruption unit that investigated Pras, the newly reinstated president might have a particular interest in granting Pras a pardon.

Trump also made an appearance on Pras’s 1998 debut solo album Ghetto Supastar through a voicemail featured in an interlude. In the message, the then-business mogul said, “I have no doubt that you’re going to be a big success,” and added, “I hope very soon you’re going to be in the leagues with me.”

Pras is currently awaiting sentencing after being found guilty on 10 counts, including witness tampering, conspiracy, and failing to register as an agent of China.

RELATED CONTENT: Fugees’ 25th Anniversary Reunion Tour Reportedly Canceled Over Pras Michel’s Legal Issues

Ben Crump , atv shooting
by Mitti Hicks

February 7, 2025

Elected Official Hires Attorney Ben Crump After Memphis Police Arrest Her And Several Protestors

It apparently all started over a drink order.

Elected official Tami Sawyer has retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump after Memphis Police arrested her and several others following an incident at a local restaurant.

Sawyer, the Shelby County General Sessions Court Clerk, was arrested on Feb. 4 outside of Global Cafe, WREG reports.

It all started when Rachael Goodwin Spriggs, a customer the restaurant, tried ordering a drink. Shen then claimed a male employee refused to serve her after she gestured her hands to order a drink.

“When he came, he said I was signing to him, and he didn’t know sign language (very condescendingly),” she wrote on Facebook. “I told him I was trying to let him know that I wanted to order something to drink, but he wouldn’t come from the back. He literally was just staring at me from the kitchen.”

She claims the employee ultimately refused to serve her and called her rude for doing sign language.

“I packed my things, and on my way out with my stuff in my hands, I decided that was the last straw,” she says. “I told him I would not be back and wanted to bring attention to how he was treating me.”

Goodwin Spriggs captured the entire incident on Facebook Live. At one point, officers responded to the cafe before Goodwin Spriggs’ phone dropped. Toward the end of the video, officers from the department arrested her for trespassing.

Following Goodwin Spriggs’ Facebook Live, concerned community members traveled to the cafe’s parking lot, where she was detained. Spriggs said officers told her she was not under arrest but detained to “complete paperwork to not come back to Crosstown.”

“I questioned, ‘Why not just keep me from Global Cafe?’ I shared we have a home within walking distance of Crosstown Concourse,” says Goodwin Spriggs. “They did not want to hear me at all.”

As her video got around, concerned community members arrived on the scene and questioned police about why officers were detaining Goodwin Spriggs.

“They would not respond, and police escalated the situation very violently, attacking people,” Amber Nicole, a policy organizer, said on Instagram.

Police arrested four local organizers, including Sawyer.

The Memphis Police Department did not immediately respond to BLACK ENTERPRISE‘s request for comment. The owner of Global Cafe declined to comment.

“I am focused on healing from my injuries and have retained Attorney Ben Crump as legal counsel,” Sawyer said in a statement. “I remain committed to serving the people of Shelby County and will continue executing my duties as General Sessions Court Clerk with the same dedication I have shown since my first day in office.”

In 2024, a Department of Justice investigation found the Memphis Police Department and the City of Memphis have a pattern of violating the rights of the city’s Black residents.

The report was filed months after a jury found three MPD officers guilty of witness tampering during a federal trial regarding the fatal 2023 beating of Tyre Nichols. According to the DOJ report, MPD used excessive force and conducted unlawful stops, searches, and arrests of Black residents.

RELATED CONTENT: Ben Crump Set To Announce New Witnesses and Evidence In Malcolm X Assassination Case

ASAP, A$AP, A$AP Rocky
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 7, 2025

YSL Uses A$AP Rocky’s Trial Photos To Promote Luxury Wardrobe

A$AP Rocky has been sporting YSL during his court appearances, leading some to speculate that a potential deal with the luxury brand could be in the works if he wins his case.

A$AP Rocky has been maintaining his fashion-forward appeal while in court for his high-profile gun assault trial.

Despite facing serious charges that could result in up to 25 years in prison if convicted, the rapper and fashion influencer has seemingly used his court appearances to subtly promote a potential deal with luxury brand Yves Saint Laurent.

The rapper, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, has been sporting YSL outfits so stylishly that the brand has begun using court photos of him to showcase its collection.

“A$AP Rocky wearing Saint Laurent,” YSL tweeted on Feb. 4.

Since the trial started late last month, Rocky has been photographed wearing $4,000 YSL trench coats, $1,500 trousers, tailored suits, and stylish ties. Highsnobiety suspects the looks could be a way to soft launch a future partnership with the brand.

The unusual case is beginning to affect the rapper’s business ventures, with Rocky having to cancel the AWGE fashion show scheduled for February 8 during New York Fashion Week.

The “Pesos” rapper pleaded not guilty to assault charges stemming from a 2021 shooting incident with Terell Ephron, also known as A$AP Relli, during an argument in Hollywood. Rocky is charged with two counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm.

However, he turned down a plea deal and claims that he is innocent.

“He’s really eager to get this stuff behind him,” lead attorney Joe Tacopina said last October. “I’m confident in knowing that he will be vindicated. You know, this is a burden for him and his family, his two young children… And he’s ready. He’s ready to face this head-on.”

Rihanna has been by A$AP Rocky’s side throughout the trial, attending court appearances and showing solidarity. The couple, both 36, share two sons: 2-year-old RZA Athelston Mayers and 1-year-old Riot Rose Mayers.

RELATED CONTENT: Al Sharpton Wonders Why A$AP Rocky Only Received 4 Black Jurors For His Assault Trial

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