Notorious BIG, Touré, Notorious B.I.G., Netflix, Sean Combs: The Reckoning
(Photo: Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 2, 2025

The Notorious B.I.G. Apologized To Xscape On Night He Was Killed

Tiny said he apologized to the group for calling them ugly on one of his songs

When The Notorious B.I.G. was preparing his debut album, Ready to Die, he had a promotional song, “Just Playing (Dreams)” that dissed the members of the girl group, Xscape. One of the members of the group, Tiny, said that the Brooklyn rapper apologized for the diss moments before he was shot to death in Los Angeles.

According to a video clip circulating from the Morning Hustle Show, three members of the formerly four-member girl group appeared on the show and discussed Jermaine Dupri’s recent comment about promoting the group. He reportedly said that Xscape was one of the hardest groups to promote because people didn’t think the group, as a whole, was cute, although they were talented.

While talking about that, Kandi Burrus mentions that the group’s look was brought to light when The Notorious B.I.G. called them ugly on the “Just Playing” track. During the song, which details the industry women he wanted to be, let’s say, romantic with, he stated that he’d rather get with drag performer and reality TV maven, RuPaul, than “them ugly-ass Xscape b**ches.”

Kandi admitted that when word got to them that Biggie wanted to speak to them, she wasn’t trying to hear him due to the song. However, Tiny stated that she did go to talk to him, and he apologized to them for the line. Kandi regretted not speaking to him because, according to Tiny, “20, 30 minutes after” the conversation, the Brooklyn rapper was shot and later died.

When the group was approached about meeting the “Hypnotize” lyricist, Tiny recalled saying, “I’m going to see what he’s talking about. And you know, he was very nice, apologetic, and basically said, ‘I don’t know what I was thinking. Look, I’m ugly—I’m ugly as hell. Y’all is beautiful, and I just wanted to say I apologize.”

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by The Morning Hustle (@morninghustleshow)

As mentioned, that night Biggie died, March 9, 1997. The unsolved murder took place after a Soul Train Awards afterparty in Los Angeles. He was shot four times and was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

RELATED CONTENT: Karmelo Anthony Released From Jail After Texas Judge Lowers Bond From $1 Million To $250K

Bible, Trump, Oklahoma, IVF, education
(Photo: The White HouseDerivative work: J JMesserly, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)
by Sharelle B. McNair

May 2, 2025

Trump Signs Executive Order Forcing Truck Drivers To Speak Proficient English

The order is a part of the Trump administration's efforts to make English the 'official language' of the United States

CBS News Miami reports that truck drivers who aren’t proficient in English risk losing their jobs after President Donald Trump’s latest executive order.

The latest mandate, signed April 28, requires truck drivers operating on U.S. highways to be able to read traffic signs and communicate with both law enforcement and safety officials. Under the order, “proficiency” is understanding road signage and interacting with agencies such as traffic safety departments, border patrol, and agricultural checkpoints. 

The order will start to be enforced in 60 days. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) says drivers who don’t meet those expectations could be at risk of being pulled from the road. 

But what does that mean for those who don’t meet that standard? Truckers’ opinions vary.

Russell Rocha, a 17-year driver, supports the rule, describing being unable to read a sign as “a little dangerous.” However, Yoman Rivera, a Miami-based trucker with 15 years of experience, calls the order “awful.”

“I never had an issue with English,” he said. 

According to the USA Today network, the order is a part of the Trump administration’s efforts to make English the “official language” of the United States. However, with the trucking industry already facing a heightened demand with tariff wars brewing, the new rule could result in a slowdown.

For Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, the law is simply about putting truck drivers first and using logic.

“Federal law is clear, a driver who cannot sufficiently read or speak English—our national language—and understand road signs is unqualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle in America,” Duffy said. “This commonsense standard should never have been abandoned. This Department will always put America’s truck drivers first.” 

Duffy justified the rule by saying there are data linking fatal crashes to drivers’ language barriers.

English proficiency is already a requirement for commercial truck drivers. It just directs the Transportation Secretary to enforce the law and review “state issuance of non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses to identify any irregularities,” guaranteeing “American drivers are validly licensed and qualified.”

The Trump administration claims the law was paused in 2016 after inspectors were instructed not to remove lawbreakers from service.

With job loss being a top risk under the executive order, Rivera predicted that “the consumer is the one who will suffer.”

RELATED CONTENT: Honey Beez Heartbreak: Boyfriend Charged With Capital Murder In Slaying Of Alabama State University Dancer

Beyoncé, Ras Baraka
Photo by Michael Buckner/Billboard via Getty Images) Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Photo via City of Newark
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 2, 2025

Beyoncé Utilizes Newark Mayor Ras Baraka’s Def Poetry Jam Performance On Cowboy Carter Tour

The Queen shows a video clip of the poem performed by the Newark politician before she starts her show

A poem written by Newark Mayor Ras Baraka appeared on the stages of Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour.

The New Jersey mayor, who is preparing to run for governor, posted a video from a recent Beyoncé show that shows a poem he wrote and performed on Russell Simmons’ Best of Def Poetry Jam on HBO before entering politics. He titled his work “American Poem,” and the video clip is featured in the Dangerously in Love singer’s show before the singer comes on stage to start her performance.

The poem focuses on the impact of racism, injustice, and unequal treatment toward Black people and the underserved communities. He reminds us that the “American dream” has not been realized by many of us due to the complications we face daily in this country.

“I want to hear an American poem!”

“Hey, you! Hey, you! Where are all the American poems about Harlem numbers runners and barbershop conversations about Colored faces on colored TVs?”

“I am honored to be featured in the @Beyonce Cowboy Carter tour and grateful to share a vision in this American moment.”

NJ.com has reported that Baraka wants to become the first Black governor of “The Garden State.”

Others competing against him to become the governor include U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, New Jersey Education Association President Sean Spiller, U.S. Rep Josh Gottheimer, and former State Senate President Steve Sweeney.

According to Politico, in a March 2025 poll, Mayor Baraka tops the Democrats running for office in the latest name recognition and favorability poll, according to a Fairleigh Dickinson University poll. In the race to succeed Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, Baraka came on top with the highest name recognition (78%) and favorability (43%) among 572 registered Democrats.

RELATED CONTENT: Honey Beez Heartbreak: Boyfriend Charged With Capital Murder In Slaying Of Alabama State University Dancer

Byron Donalds, Trump, Scott Turner
(Photo: Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)
by Sharelle B. McNair

May 2, 2025

Byron Donalds Doesn’t Think The US Still Has A Systemic Racism Problem

Donalds feels the country is getting as close to meritocracy more than ever.

Florida Rep. Byron Donalds sat down on the Full Send Podcast to give his take on where America stands with systemic racism, claiming it doesn’t exist anymore. 

The Black Republican congressman projected his thoughts on racism in America after host Kyle Foregeard asked him if America still has a problem with racism, which the conservative lawmaker said, “no.” “No. I think that the country did. I mean, that’s obvious. We definitely did, but I don’t think so anymore,” Donalds said. 

As a follow-up to his answer, Donalds said he feels the country is getting as close to meritocracy, which by definition is “government or the holding of power by people selected on the basis of their ability,” more than ever. He feels systemic racism is a thing of the past given different industries, and used boxer Logan Paul, who used to be an influencer, as an example.

“We are as close to meritocracy as we’ve ever been in America. And I think you’re starting to see that in all frames of life. You’re seeing it in business, you’re seeing it in politics, you’re seeing it in sport and entertainment, but really in entertainment,” the congressman said. 

“I think podcasting, influencing…if that’s not meritocracy then I don’t know what is.” 

Social media users jumped in as clips started to circulate, calling Donalds a “token.” Some pointed out the hypocrisy, as he was once looked at as a shoe-in for President Donald Trump’s cabinet but was overlooked. “Says the man who was not picked for Donald Trump’s cabinet,” @noelissaks said. 

Those who have been following Donalds while he was campaigning for the president shouldnt be too taken aback by his comments. The lawmaker has been outspoken about his feelings toward the relationship between America and its Black citizens. 

During a Black voter outreach event called “Congress, Cognac, and Cigars” in Philadelphia in 2024, he received major backlash for suggesting Black families were more unified and better off during the Jim Crow era — a period riddled with racial segregation. “During Jim Crow, the Black family was together. During Jim Crow, more Black people were not just conservative – Black people have always been conservative minded – but more Black people voted conservatively,” he said. 

Now, his focus is on securing the governor seat for the Sunshine State but he may have to convince some angry voters that he is the man for the job first. Donalds’ constituents don’t seem to be too happy with his work on Capitol Hill. During a recent town hall meeting, things got ugly when, according to CNN, his responses to questions about Elon Musk and the moves of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) were met with boos. 

RELATED CONTENT: Jasmine Crockett Accused Of ‘Racism’ For Remarks On Byron Donalds’ Interracial Marriage

Doctoral Student, 83-Year-old Woman, Harvard
(Photo: Ian Lamont/flickr)
by Mitti Hicks

May 2, 2025

Harvard Professors Pledge To Pay Cut Amid Lawsuit Against Trump Administration

The Ivy League school’s president, Alan Garber, said the federal funding cuts would be detrimental to the school as a significant portion of the money goes toward medical and scientific research.

Harvard University professors are pledging to take a temporary pay cut as the university files a lawsuit against the Trump administration.

At least 84 senior faculty staff members have pledged to donate 10% of this year’s salary to contribute to “the university’s financial resources while it legally contests these attacks.”

Government professor Ryan Enos told CBS News that the commitment would add up to an estimated $2.5 million.

The pledge comes as the university responds to the Trump administration’s decision to freeze billions of federal funding.

Harvard Files Lawsuit Against Trump Administration

In an unprecedented move, Harvard University filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for freezing $2.2 billion in federal funding. The Trump administration said it plans to suspend another $1 billion in grants. President Donald Trump even suggested that the university should lose its tax-exempt status.

The lack of funding is twofold. First, the Trump administration said it would review the $9 billion in grants and contracts with Harvard as it investigates alleged antisemitic incidents on campus. The administration followed up with a letter demanding that Harvard end DEI policies and make other changes. Harvard would have to follow these demands if leaders wanted federal funding to continue. The university made some changes due to the back and forth with the current administration.

Harvard University announced it is renaming the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging to “Community and Campus Life.”

The university is still pushing back with a lawsuit.

“The gravy train of federal assistance to institutions like Harvard, which enrich their grossly overpaid bureaucrats with tax dollars from struggling American families, is coming to an end,” the Trump administration said in response to Harvard’s lawsuit.  

The Ivy League school’s president, Alan Garber, said the federal funding cuts would be detrimental to the school as a significant portion of the money goes toward medical and scientific research.

“The University will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights,” Garber said.

Last month, former President Barack Obama, a Harvard University alumnus, backed the school’s decision to oppose President Trump’s demands.

“Harvard has set an example for other higher-ed institutions – rejecting an unlawful and ham-handed attempt to stifle academic freedom, while taking concrete steps to make sure all students at Harvard can benefit from an environment of intellectual inquiry, rigorous debate and mutual respect,” he said on X. “Let’s hope other institutions follow suit.”

RELATED CONTENT: Pro Soccer Player Hides As Loved Ones Kidnapped Amid Increasing Crime In Ecuador, Family Safely Returned

Khalid Kamal, mayor, Kobi, racist, messages, investigation, south Fulton
(Photo: Prince Williams/WireImage)
by Kandiss Edwards

May 2, 2025

Georgia Mayor Khalid Kamau Says Farewell To South Fulton After A Slew Of Controversies

The South Fulton Mayor delivered his final State of the City address

South Fulton Mayor Khalid Kamau delivered his final State of the City address on the evening of May 1, marking the city’s eighth anniversary and signaling the end of his tenure. 

During his farewell, Kamau chose not to address those controversies directly. He instead focused on the city’s progress. He also emphasized his personal growth as a leader. Speaking at the Southwest Arts Center, Kamau, also known as Mayor Kobi, reflected on his time in office and emphasized the importance of civility in political discourse. 

Reflecting on the city’s identity, Kamau highlighted South Fulton’s status as the Blackest city in America. Nearly 92% of South Fulton’s residents are Black. 

“I really think that a lot of what distinguishes us from Atlanta is that a lot of what you hear about Atlanta being this Black mecca and this center of Black excellence a lot of that is actually South Fulton.”

In closing remarks Kamau expressed hope for the city’s future.

“A more noble city lies on the other side of these troubled waters. Do not fall victim to the post-traumatic slave narrative that Black people cannot rightly govern.”

Kamau announced last week that he would not seek reelection. The mayor cited the low mayoral salary of approximately $47,000 as insufficient compensation for the demands of the role. He revealed that the low pay had forced him to sell his mother’s house and rely on food stamps. Despite proposing a salary increase to $85,000, the city council did not approve the raise.

His decision not to run for a second term follows a series of controversies, including allegations of unauthorized expenditures totaling around $26,000 on a city-issued purchasing card. These expenses encompassed international trips and office enhancements, such as a mural and a pool table.

As the city prepares for its next election, three candidates have announced their intentions to run for mayor: former Mayor Bill Edwards, Councilwoman Carmalitha Gumbs, and Navy veteran Kelvin Davis. Each candidate has expressed a commitment to restoring integrity and transparency to the city’s leadership.

RELATED CONTENT: Mayor Khalid Kamau Will Not Seek Re-Election After His Descent Into Poverty

Tyrese Haliburton
Photo by Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 2, 2025

Tyrese Haliburton’s Dad Deaded From Pacers Games After On-Court Confrontation With Giannis Antetokounmpo

The front office informed John Haliburton of their decision and he agreed with them

After Tyrese Haliburton‘s father had a confrontation with Milwaukee Bucks player Giannis Antetokounmpo after the Indiana Pacers won a playoff series, the Pacers have decided that John Haliburton will not attend any more games, home or away, at the moment.

According to USA Today, John approached Giannis on the basketball court after his son Tyrese scored what would be the winning shot of the contest. The proud father is seen on video waving a towel with his son’s face on it while seemingly yelling at the opposing center. Someone who saw the interaction rushed over and stopped John, as Giannis stood in disbelief, and the home crowd went wild in celebration.

John was sitting in a courtside seat at the Pacers’ home court at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

He later publicly apologized for his action via social media.

Although the apology was issued, the Pacers front office met with Haliburton’s dad and decided he would not be allowed to attend any of the Pacers’ upcoming games. The team advanced in the playoffs to play against the top-seeded team in the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Pacers’ vice president of basketball communications and media relations, Michael Preston, confirmed the decision.

Giannis did accept the apology, as the two did speak before leaving the court, but he also had this to say after the incident:

“I’m happy for him, I’m happy for his son, and I’m happy that he’s happy for his son. That’s how you’re supposed to feel. But coming to me and disrespecting me and cursing at me, I think, is totally unacceptable, totally unacceptable.”

Tyrese also stated that he didn’t agree with the actions of his father.

The next game for the Pacers will take place May 4 in Cleveland.

RELATED CONTENT: Former NBA Player Vernon Maxwell Calls Draymond Green ‘The O.J. Simpson Of Basketball’

BIG3,, Starterr,basketball uniforms,,
Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-and-grey-basketball-jersey-uniform-71103/
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 2, 2025

Starter Partners With BIG3 To Produce Uniforms, Gear For Teams

BIG3 CEO Ice Cube said, 'I lived my entire life in STARTER – from my first STARTER jacket when I was 16 years old to the Dodgers jacket I wore last fall.'

The BIG3 announced a partnership with an iconic sports apparel brand, Starter.

The Ice Cube-helmed 3-on-3 basketball league will rely on Starter to create uniforms, sideline gear, and warmups for the teams, as well as merchandise that fans of the BIG3 can purchase in support of the league. Now that the league is city-based, fans can expect to have items that represent their favorite city and/or team.

“This partnership is a dream come true,” said BIG3 CEO Ice Cube in a written statement. “I lived my entire life in STARTER – from my first STARTER jacket when I was 16 years old to the Dodgers jacket I wore last fall. Working with such an iconic brand is not only a personal triumph but a huge accomplishment for the BIG3. There is so much harmony between our brands – we are both on the cutting edge of our game while honoring and championing the nostalgia of the past. Beyond the design synergy, STARTER is also committed to providing our fans and players alike with the best possible materials. This partnership is beyond a natural fit, it’s really a no-brainer, and I couldn’t be more pleased to be working with the dedicated team at STARTER to take the look of the BIG3 to the next level this year.”

Starter will also produce game-quality jersey replicas, which is a first for the league. Fans can also expect to purchase limited-edition merchandise and capsule collections for various BIG3 events throughout the season.

Mike Dugan, President of Starter Uniforms Division, also praised the collaborative effort with the BIG3.

“For STARTER, the connection with Ice Cube and the BIG3 feels like destiny. From iconic moments in our jackets to now partnering with his groundbreaking 3-on-3 league, this is a true full-circle moment. This partnership represents a powerful fusion of classic sports legacy and modern entertainment. Together with the BIG3, we’re set to create apparel that resonates deeply with today’s sports enthusiasts, bringing back STARTER’s signature bold style within the league’s innovative framework. We’re eager to unlock the immense potential of this collaboration and create even more unforgettable experiences for BIG3 players and fans this year.”

Ice Cube will also be launching a limited-edition Starter line, which, to the rapper, is a “personal triumph” and “a huge accomplishment for Big3.”

The BIG3’s upcoming season starts June 14 and is slated to end Aug. 24, with all games being broadcast on CBS.

RELATED CONTENT: Judge Blocks ICE From Rikers Island Amid City Challenge

self deport, Haiti, Photojournalist Dieu-Nalio Chery
(Photo: Clarens Siffroy/AFP via Getty Images)
by Stacy Jackson

May 2, 2025

Couple Fears Return To Haiti War Zone If Judge Rules In Favor Of Trump’s Order To End Immigration Program

Immigrants fear they may have to return to gang and political violence in Haiti due to Trump's order to end the CHNV Humanitarian Program.

With gangs taking over more than 90% of Port-au-Prince, hundreds of thousands of Haitian immigrants may be returning to a land of chaos if a judge rules in favor of the Trump administration’s executive order to end the Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, Venezuela Humanitarian Sponsorship Program.

The humanitarian parole program, established under the Biden administration, has permitted more than 500,000 people to enter the U.S. under temporary legal status. According to NBC News, immigrants like 28-year-old Kevinson Jean may be prompted to return to face Haiti’s heavy gang violence and political turmoil if President Donald Trump’s executive order, which was supposed to take effect April 24, is approved.

The Trump administration labeled the program as a “broad abuse” of the immigration parole system, along with the Department of Homeland Security’s perspective of the program as an “unlawful scheme.”

The security and humanitarian crisis in Port-au-Prince resulted in 60,000 people fleeing in February. In Jean’s own experience, he was held at gunpoint for cash he collected from a job with the nonprofit Christian ministry Hills of His Grace. The 2021 incident prompted him and his wife, Sherlie, to apply for the CHNV Humanitarian Sponsorship Program with the help of Hills of His Grace founder Kimberly Snelgrooves and Pastor Joshua Light of First Baptist Church Panhandle. The gangs have a significant presence in Haiti, according to Haitian human rights activist Pierre Esperance.

“They have guns…They attack whenever they want. They set fire to whatever they want,” he said. “The police have been weakened, and the government has collapsed.”

Earlier in April, Trump stated that if Jean and his wife Shirley entered the U.S. legally, then he “is going to be in good shape” to stay. However, Jean said he received a letter from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services prompting him to self-deport. The couple is worried they lack the means to even return to Haiti and fear the possibility of being sent to a third country like El Salvador without knowing the language or culture.

Earlier this month, Trump’s order to revoke the Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, Venezuela Humanitarian Sponsorship Program was temporarily blocked by a judge. The Trump administration has appealed the ruling and now awaits a decision by the First Circuit Court.

RELATED CONTENT: Melky Jean, Saint Sauveur 1972 Rum, And The Bold Reclamation Of Haitian Heritage

SOUTHERN,, ALABAMA,, EMMY NOMINATION,. COLLEGE
Photo by Engin Akyurt from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/standing-man-figurine-2098604/
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 2, 2025

Two HBCUs Receive Emmy Nominations For Films Depicting Campus Life

Southern University and Alabama A&M earned Emmy nominations for films showcasing HBCU culture.

Students from two historically Black colleges received Emmy nominations for films that highlight different aspects of HBCU culture.

Southern University and Alabama A&M University received Emmy nominations for showcasing everything from their iconic marching bands to the intense passion and grit behind HBCU football rivalries, HBCU Game Day reported. Southern’s “Dream Team” — Verbon Muhammad Jr., Ashley Lovelace, Sydney Cuillier, Loren Sullivan, and Eric White — earned an Emmy nomination for The Hidden Sport, a documentary offering a powerful glimpse into the grit, passion, and discipline of the university’s legendary Human Jukebox Band.

“We wanted to shed light on the time, the effort, the dedication these musicians invest,” Cuillier said. “They practice just like athletes — that’s where the name ‘The Hidden Sport’ was born.”

The Emmy-nominated film was made in part through the Coca-Cola HBCU Grant, a $40,000 grant recognizing a student or students enrolled in an HBCU’s journalism or media production program with a focus on sports broadcasting. The Dream Team announced the documentary in April and teased its Summer 2025 release.

“What if the loudest part of the game was the most overlooked?” an Instagram post read. “The Hidden Sport — a story of rhythm, resilience, and redefining what it means to be an athlete.”

The documentary also honors the memory of late band member Caleb Wilson and Coach Sean Wallace, celebrating their enduring legacy at the university. After months of hard work, the students completed the project in March 2025. If they win, the team plans to establish a scholarship and donate proceeds to support the Human Jukebox Band.

Supporters left comments expressing their pride in the film, with some even suggesting that Southern University consider adding a film major to its program offerings.

“At this point, do we need a film studies major?” one person wrote.

“LETS GGGGGOOOOO!!!! Raising the bar per usual!” added someone else.

Alabama A&M University also scored an Emmy nomination for the 2024 video series A Bulldog Family. Nominated in the Branded Content – Short Form Content category, the scripted series spotlights the Magic City Classic, the most traditional HBCU football rivalry. Featuring five AAMU student actors, the campaign garnered over 1 million views and significantly enhanced the university’s presence on social media and throughout Alabama.

“This was about sharing our story and putting a spotlight on a tradition that defines our university,” said Aaron Thompson, Assistant VP of Marketing.

RELATED CONTENT: P

×