by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 24, 2024

Dwight Howard Hopes to Rejoin Lakers After Learning Convicted Ex-Agent Lied About $7M Offer

Dwight Howard wants another opportunity with the Los Angeles Lakers after his shady former agent contributed to his early exit from the team.

Dwight Howard expressed his desire to rejoin the Los Angeles Lakers after discovering that his former agent, now convicted, lied about a $7 million offer.

NBA veteran Dwight Howard hosted Lakers’ controlling owner and president Jeanie Marie Buss on his Above the Rim with DH12 podcast shortly after his former agent, Charles Briscoe, pleaded guilty to defrauding him and fellow NBA alum Chandler Parsons of a combined $8 million in 2021. Howard shared a clip from his podcast chat with Buss and a screenshot of an article discussing the fraud Briscoe and Calvin Darden Jr. subjected him to. The NBA champion made a plea to return to the Lakers.

“I was so shocked to hear the Lakers had an offer for me, but my so-called agent told me lies 😤 same agent that cost me $7mill man. I’m glad me & Jeanie cleared that up,” he tweeted.

“I know it’s too late, but why not…I’m in shape 🤷🏾‍♂️ my former teammate that I went to the finals with is the head coach 🤷🏾‍♂️ AD don’t want to play center no more 🤷🏾‍♂️ me & Jeanie cleared up all the confusion.”

I was so shocked to hear the Lakers had an offer for me but my so called agent told me lies 😤 same agent that cost me $7mill man I’m glad me & Jeanie cleared that up
I know it’s too late but why not…

I’m in shape 🤷🏾‍♂️ my former teammate that I went to the finals with is the… pic.twitter.com/nDlcyu29um
— Dwight Howard (@DwightHoward) October 14, 2024

During the episode, Howard expressed his regret after learning that Briscoe lied about a $7 million offer from the Lakers, ultimately preventing him from signing the deal.

“I wanted to come back. I don’t know what had happened,” Howard said in a clip he reposted on X.

“You took an offer from the Philadelphia 76ers,” Buss responded.

But Howard clarified how, at the time, he was being “told so many different things.”

“I think now, looking back on it, with the situation that I had with my agent, you know, actually getting convicted, being a part of the whole crime—” he started to explain before Buss politely interjected, “It was the same guy?”

“Yeah, he was a part of it. Yeah, same agent,” Howard confirmed.

In October, Howard’s former agent received three months of home detention and three years of supervision for one count of wire fraud last November. He is also no longer a licensed agent with the National Basketball Association.

Briscoe was one of four individuals charged in the Southern District of New York with wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Among the fraudulent actions against Howard was defrauding him of $7 million, which he believed was intended for the purchase of the Atlanta Dream, and reportedly lying about Howard’s offer from the Lakers.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 24, 2024

BLACK ENTERPRISE Woman Of Power Luminary Award-Winner Aisha Bowe To Become First Black Woman To Enter Space Aboard The Blue Origin

Aisha Bowe reflects on her resilient journey, dreaming so big that she's now making history in outer space.

Aisha Bowe is making history as the first Black woman to travel to outer space aboard Blue Origin. She shares her excitement ahead of the monumental launch.

The aerospace engineer, entrepreneur, and citizen astronaut appeared on ABC News on Saturday, expressing her gratitude and excitement about achieving her dream of traveling to space with Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin. For Bowe, it’s not just a dream come true but a testament to the power of perseverance, showing that success is possible even for those who begin with a rocky start.

Bowe recalled graduating high school with a 2.3 GPA and feeling uncertain about her future. After attending community college, she decided to overcome the self-doubt that previously held her back, choosing to believe in her highest potential for success.

She began dreaming bigger than ever before, setting her sights on the stars and striving to achieve the unimaginable.

“I didn’t know how to dream. So I had to learn how to do that. And once I decided that I was going to dream, I said I’m going to dream a really big dream that if it comes true that it will show me that dreams are real,” Bowe explained.

Since making the pivotal decision to become a rocket scientist, Bowe has worked for NASA, launched two STEM-focused businesses, and is now poised to become the first Black woman astronaut with Blue Origin.

“From community college to going to Michigan Aerospace, to working at NASA, this is a manifestation of not only a lifelong dream but a journey that I hope will inspire other people to reach for the stars as well,” Bowe said.

As for what Bowe is most excited to experience on her journey beyond, the founder of LINGO looks forward to the expansive perspective on unity that comes from seeing Earth as an “Earthling” from space.

“I’m really excited to see the Earth from the perspective that there are no boundaries. And I’m hoping that when I fly, it’s not about me, it’s about we,” she said.

Bowe also cites the full circle moment she’s sharing with a girl she used to mentor while working at NASA who now works at Blue Origin and worked on the rocket she will be flying on.

“When I get to space, I’m going to be able to look back and say, ‘My journey, career, everything that I thought went wrong went right, and it means something that I hope will inspire other people to reach higher,'” she said.

Bowe was recognized for her outstanding contribution and pioneering effort in advancing diversity within her respective field at the BLACK ENTERPRISE 2024 Woman of Power Summit, receiving the prestigious Luminary Award. Bowe also shared some power plays on BE’s Portrait of Power series. Check it out below:

school, AP African American Studies, education, class

by Daniel Johnson

December 24, 2024

LA County Teenager Alleges They Were Beaten, Called Racial Slurs Before Stabbing Attempt

The teenager's mother also believes that the school's inaction regarding what happened to her son is what led to the stabbing incident on Dec. 9

A 14-year-old Black teenager is taking legal action after he was allegedly attacked and called racial slurs for months by schoolmates at Verdugo Hills High School before being arrested following a stabbing incident at the school earlier in December.

According to CBS News, the student’s attorney, Brad Gage, shared a video of the teenager being assaulted in a bathroom in late August. Following that incident, school officials met with his mother.

“Make no mistake about it, this is a case of racism. It’s the school’s failure to act properly in August and September that led to a stabbing in December,” Gage told the outlet.

The teen’s mother said that what bothered her the most was the school pretending that nothing happened to her son.

“They don’t care,” she told CBS News. “They didn’t do nothing to the other kid, and that’s what I’m most upset about. They just sat there and did nothing.”

She continued, “The school wanted to force my child out right after the incident of him being jumped in the bathroom. They wanted him to leave the school without giving any disciplinary action towards the students who caused the problem itself. They didn’t do anything, so I said no. My son is going to stay here, he’s doing well.”

The teenager’s mother also believes that the school’s inaction regarding what happened to her son is what led to the stabbing incident on Dec. 9.

As a result of what happened to her son, she is fearful of allowing him to return to the school, even after the legal situation is resolved.

“My son is a good, smart kid,” she said. “My son was in a situation where he could’ve been killed. I still feel like he can be killed because he can’t come back over here because of everything that’s been going on.”

According to his lawyers, there are very few Black students who attend Verdugo Hills, and nearly from the first day of classes, their client was targeted by several Latinx students who called him racial slurs, attacked him, and threatened to stab him.

Gage recounted the events to CBS News, “At some point, others that are part of the group or gang; they come and chase our client with a big butcher knife — trying to kill him.”

Gage indicated that his client was just trying to defend himself when two of his attackers ended up being stabbed and suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

As a result of his actions, the teen was arrested and charged with assault with a deadly weapon, per the Los Angeles Police Department.

Gage filed a government claim, which must be filed ahead of a lawsuit, against Verdugo Hills High School and the school district for failing to protect the teenager from the harm that came his way on Dec. 9.

In 2023, David Malakai Allen chronicled his own experience with racist harassment and hostility across the country at the Newark School of Global Studies.

Like the incident at Verdugo Hills High School, as Allen wrote for Chalkbeat, nothing happened when incidents of racism were brought to the school’s administration.

“This wasn’t the first time Black students at Global Studies had been subject to harassment and abuse. Reports, both written and verbal, had been filed, but nothing seemed to change. And this time around was no different,” Allen recalled.

He continued, “In January of this year, the Newark Board of Education commissioned a review of the racial and cultural climate at Global Studies. While the report has not been publicly released, some of its recommendations have been. According to the report, the Newark district must look at how ‘anti-Blackness and other deficit beliefs’ impact its schools. It also calls for Newark Public Schools to create spaces for difficult conversations about race and help school staff identify and fill “cultural gaps” in their practices. While this is hardly a solution, I hope that it results in a safer and more inclusive environment for everyone.”

Shreveport Apartment Complex Announces $38M Renovations, Louisiana Leaders Praise Investment

by Daniel Johnson

December 24, 2024

Shreveport Apartment Complex Announces $38M Renovations, Louisiana Leaders Praise Investment

Several Shreveport leaders posed for photos on Dec. 18 in celebration of the planned renovations at the 55-year-old apartment complex.

After Shreveport’s Lakeside Gardens apartment complex, the brainchild of Rev. Amos Terrell in 1969, announced $38.1 million in renovations, Louisiana political figures celebrated the much-needed investment into Shreveport’s Black community.

According to the Shreveport Times, several Shreveport leaders posed for photos on Dec. 18 to celebrate the planned renovations at the 55-year-old apartment complex.

Louisiana State Sen. Sam Jenkins praised the investment, telling the outlet, “This is a welcome change. I am extremely pleased that we are continuing to invest in the urban core, the inner-city areas. We know this is an area that won’t be abandoned. Families will live here, be safe and have a nice environment.”

Jasmine Winston-Wilson, a developer, was more frank about the necessity of the renovations.

“Given the age of the property and lack of upgrades, it was becoming increasingly difficult to provide quality affordable housing,” Winston-Wilson said. “Without these renovations, Lakeside Gardens would cease to exist. These renovations allow us to continue to serve generations to come.”

During the renovations, 22 units will be added to the complex, bringing the total number of units on the property to 110.

Recently, the city has experienced a rash of fires at abandoned apartment complexes, a fate that the investment will help Lakeside Gardens avoid.

According to KEEL, several apartment complexes in Shreveport are scheduled for demolition by Shreveport Property Standards due to failure to meet standards for continued occupancy by residents.

Shreveport Mayor Tom Arcenaux told KTAL News that these fires are a byproduct of landlords not caring for their property properly.

“The security for private property lies with private property owners. We are continuing to patrol, but when you have abandoned structures, sometimes you have problems with this. And we are trying to provide as much security as we can, but we don’t provide 24-hour security for apartment complexes,” Arcenaux said.

Arcenaux continued, briefly discussing the improbability that fining the landlords would fix the problem.

“[They’re] behind on mortgages. So collecting fines is really very, very doubtful. Most of this is at the city’s expense. And we have to keep in mind that we have other properties standards enforcement that we have to undertake. So, at some point, we have to engage in some triage.”

According to Vox, one way to avoid situations like Shreveport’s dilapidated apartment complexes could be social housing programs similar to those in Montgomery County, Maryland.

Massachusetts State Rep. Mike Connolly told Vox that the Montgomery County program inspired his own state’s housing bond bill that sponsored a social housing pilot plan.

“We got a lot of enthusiasm and support around us now doing the work of mapping out what these initial projects will look like. It could result in perhaps one or two local, mixed-income social housing-type projects in the coming years,” Connolly said. “If we can develop something and build it, people can see it, and then we can point to it and look to expand it. And, of course, Montgomery County, Maryland, has been the contemporary national leader here.”

According to Chelsea Andrews, the executive director of Montgomery County’s Housing Opportunities Commission, the HOC’s blend of public housing authority, housing finance agency, and public developer allows it to aggressively subsidize housing.

“We have these three different components that ultimately work together to help us really advance a very aggressive development strategy that we have deployed over 50 years. Mixed income accomplishes so many goals. It allows housing authorities to ensure that they are creating inclusive communities. It takes away the concentration of poverty.”

Film Director Stacey Muhammad Talks Alex Cross, Artistic Independence And Network

by Kandiss Edwards

December 24, 2024

Film Director Stacey Muhammad Talks Alex Cross, Artistic Independence And Network

Stacey Muhammad talks weaving through the film industry 'with ease and without desperation.'

Stacey Muhammad, fresh off directing the wildly successful Prime series Cross, spoke with BLACK ENTERPRISE about being a lifelong creative, independent filmmaker and director.

The Queen Sugar director studied dance before falling in love with the film. She’s adeptly woven through a 15-year independent filmmaking and producing career and has since made her mark in episodic directing.

Muhammad’s life experiences are tied to her success. Her history as a dancer informs her directorial style, as she “loves a moving camera.” Muhammad spent many years in the Nation of Islam, which informs her “do for self” independent streak. Her identity as a Black woman from New Orleans “deeply” shapes her direction. Muhammad spoke on her journey and dropped a few gems along the way.

Tell readers a little bit about yourself and how you got your start in the industry.

[In the] early 2000s, I started taking just about every workshop you could possibly imagine about filmmaking. I spent about 15 years as an indie filmmaker and in 2013, I created a web series called For Colored Boys and it did incredibly well.

What led to you building your own table as an independent filmmaker?

I knew very early on that I was not interested in knocking on doors. I spent time in the Nation of Islam, and other community organizations, so I always had a do-for-self mentality and I also wanted to tell a certain type of story. All my mentors and people I respected took the route of self-sufficiency.

How do you remain authentic to the Black experience and still make your work uniquely yours?

I am not thinking about whiteness. Filmmaking for me is an extension of community work, to support Black people being in spaces where they can be themselves.

You directed episodes 5 and 6 of Cross, both were turning points in the show. When the foundation of the show has already been set, how do you jump in and still maintain your unique vision?

People have a tendency to view episodic directing as restrictive. I just don’t see it that way.I haven’t been on the show where I haven’t been “allowed” to do what I want to do.

The cinematic language is broad.”With Cross, Ben Watkins and his team are incredibly collaborative. They supported the risks I wanted to take.”

I have to ask about Aldis Hodge. He’s been in the business for a long time, but is only now receiving his flowers. What were the challenges or highlights in working with him?

He has a beautiful spirit and is absolutely collaborative. His masculinity comes with a tenderness. This opportunity is something that he’s been waiting for, wanting, and deserving of for quite some time. And that is a perfect recipe to get really good work done.

Directing is about making small adjustments and helping your actors see more colors and other routes available to them. He took the notes and did that beautifully.

On The Record is your music docuseries. What made you want to highlight New Orleans’ music scene?

When people think about New Orleans, they think about jazz. They think about the brass band. There’s a community of diverse artists here that make a broad range of music.

Can you talk about Black In The Holyland?

It will be Marc Lamont Hill’s directorial debut. Its about the plight of Black people in Palestine. It will spark a much needed dialogue and shine a lens on what it’s like to be Black in that region.

Is there any advice you would like to share with the Black women that want to get into film, directing, or even those who are struggling their way through?

Do your work.

The relationship that I had with Malcolm D. Lee started in 2013 when I did For Colored Boys. He had an invested interest in me as a creative. He introduced my work to Tracy Oliver. Now, I’ve directed multiple episodes of Harlem and First Wives Club for Tracy Oliver.

I made relationships in my indie filmmaking world when I wasn’t making the money.

So, do your work. Have a sense of agency. You’ll get exactly where you wanna get to, but you wanna get there with ease and without desperation.

Any other upcoming projects?

I have a feature film, The Return, that’s in development with Malcolm D. Lee’s company. It’s a horror feature film that we will shoot here in New Orleans.

66% Of Black Workers More Likely To Build Their Professional Network Online —Tips To Do That During The Holidays

by Jeffrey McKinney

December 24, 2024

66% Of Black Workers More Likely To Build Their Professional Network Online —Tips To Do That During The Holidays

Holiday social season can be an ideal period to start building a trusted network and authentic contacts for job opportunities.

Parties, get-togethers, and other events are the norm in the holiday social season.

For Black professionals, it also is a good stretch to job hunt to help build a successful career.

New data from LinkedIn shows that the weekly growth in employment connection requests sent in January was higher than in any other month of the year. The professional networking site reports that connection requests surged by as much as 24% week over week in January.

Hence, the holiday social season is optimal for professionals to build a trusted network and authentic contacts to support job opportunities in the upcoming year.

Fresh LinkedIn data shows that 66% of Black professionals are most likely to grow their professional network online. Yet, the social platform reports that trust plays a crucial role, with nearly 50% wanting verifiable information about them and their company before connecting.

Research also shows several other potential benefits of beginning your job search during the holidays, including less competition, more social and business functions to meet other professionals, and the possibility of securing a salary if you land a job before the new year begins.

LinkedIn Career Expert Andrew McCaskill affirmed the holidays are an excellent networking season. “You’re catching up with friends, meeting new people at gatherings, and reconnecting with old colleagues. It’s the perfect time to plant seeds for your career goals in the new year. By building your network now, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running when everyone starts making moves.”

BLACK ENTERPRISE emailed McCaskill to discuss how Black workers can build practical and reliable networks to assist with career prosperity in 2025.

What trends are you seeing among Black professionals tied to networking and job searching?

They are embracing the power of online networking like never before. LinkedIn’s verification badges can make building meaningful, trusted connections easier. The badges mean that a member could confirm elements of their profile, like identity, workplace, or educational institution.

How can online networking make the job search easier and help me better find the position I want?

Online networking takes the guesswork out of finding opportunities. On LinkedIn, tools like the “Grow” tab recommend connections that align with your goals, helping you meet the right people without the awkwardness of cold emails. Turning on the #OpenToWork feature can double your chances of hearing from recruiters. Creating a post to let your network know what you’re looking for can spark connections, job referrals, and even direct outreach from hiring managers or professionals who can help you move forward in your job search.

What is the best time to follow up with new connections after meeting them at holiday events?

Following up doesn’t have to be a chore. Start by personalizing your message—mention where you met or a detail from your conversation. LinkedIn Premium’s AI-powered messaging feature can help you craft thoughtful follow-ups if you’re stuck. The “Catch Up” tab in the My Network section provides timely prompts, like when a connection gets a new job or celebrates a work anniversary. These are ways to keep the conversation going and build relationships over time.

What other networking tips would you give to Black professionals looking to elevate their careers next year?

Network with intention by starting with people you already know—friends, family, and colleagues—and following people you want to learn from. This will allow you to access valuable content, insights, and advice from thought leaders and professionals you admire, helping you stay informed and grow your career.

Be consistent, and don’t just show up when you need something. Engage regularly by commenting on posts, sharing updates, and congratulating others on their milestones. Use networking tools like the “Grow” tab to find connections tailored to your career goals. Also, remember the QR code feature to connect instantly with people you meet in person.

Further, you can gain more networking insights here.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 23, 2024

21 Savage ‘Leads By Example’ With 6th Annual Holiday Toy Drive In Metro Atlanta, Granted Official Day By Local Leaders

The rapper received 2 community action awards for his ongoing efforts to help his hometown.

Rap artist 21 Savage hosted his sixth annual Holiday Toy Drive through his Leading by Example Foundation. He received his own gift as he gave back to Atlanta’s youth.

The event occurred at The Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center on Dec. 21. Over 1,000 participating families took home more than 3,000 items, including clothes, toys, and food. The foundation shared a recap of the holiday event.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Leading By Example (@lbefoundation)

“From the hustle behind the scenes to the magic of the big day, every step was fueled by love and purpose,” the nonprofit’s team captioned the post. “Grateful for the incredible team and community who made our 6th annual Holiday Drive unforgettable. Together, we made a difference!”

Its sixth iteration also granted a gift back to the Grammy-winning rapper. While attending the charitable occasion, Congressman Hank Johnson and his wife, Dekalb County Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson, presented 21 with his official day. Alongside proclaiming the 21 Savage Leading By Example Day in the county, they also bestowed the Atlanta native with two community action awards, as stated in a press release obtained by BLACK ENTERPRISE.

His nonprofit organization, Leading By Example, has continued to give back to the community since its establishment in 2018. Its mission extends to offering the city’s youth financial literacy skills and education. It also supports families during critical times such as the holidays and back-to-school drives.

Before the holiday toy drive, 21 Savage hosted the “issa back-to-school” drive to help underserved families with school supplies. For this year’s initiative, he partnered with organizations such as the National Coalition of 100 Black Women and Wealthy Habits to create the Leading By Example Social Impact Village, also sponsored by Amazon Access.

With the Wealthy Habits, 21 Savage expanded his reach to the community on the importance of money management. He released a free “Master Your Money” toolkit to guide readers toward financial success.

21 Savage has become a Santa in his way, providing holiday cheer and financial guidance to his hometown. Now, the rapper has an official holiday in the county and state of Georgia to honor his efforts every year.

mayweather diddy, abuse, assault, allegations

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 23, 2024

Floyd Mayweather Donates $1M To United Hatzalah Of Israel

With his million-dollar donation, the retired boxer helped raise $14 million to support the work that the organization does in Israel.

Undefeated retired boxer Floyd Mayweather recently donated $1 million to United Hatzalah of Israel in Miami on Thursday, Dec. 19.

According to the Jewish News Syndicate, Mayweather’s million-dollar donation helped raise $14 million to support United Hatzalah’s work in Israel. More than 1,700 people attended the sold-out event at the organization’s annual Miami Gala.

“You are all fighters. I am a former fighter, but we keep fighting every day,” Mayweather told the audience.

The philanthropist is no stranger to the organization. He received United Hatzalah’s Champion of Israel award for supporting the Jewish state and was recognized for aiding the organization during the Swords of Iron War. Two months ago, Mayweather contributed to the cause by donating 100 bulletproof helmets and vests to protect the organization’s volunteers.

He directly addressed United Hatzalah of Israel Founder Eli Beer, “Eli, you and United Hatzalah are doing such a great job. I will be here until the casket drops, supporting you and standing behind you as long as there are people who need your help.”

The generous entrepreneur didn’t stop there. He also gave another philanthropist, Dr. Miriam Adelson, a longtime United Hatzalah supporter, a diamond necklace in the shape of the organization’s logo.

Mayweather launched the Mayweather Israel Initiative on Dec. 8. The initiative will benefit Israeli orphans celebrating their birthdays over the next year. He announced the program on his social media account. A mobile van will distribute birthday gifts throughout the region.

The Jerusalem Post reported that Mayweather announced the initiative while attending a Standing Together event in Israel. In his post, the philanthropist acknowledged the founder of Standing Together, Chessed V’Rachamim. The organization supports initiatives and has been instrumental in purchasing washing machines for the Israel Defense Forces at their bases and sending widows and orphans on dream vacations.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 23, 2024

Damon Dash Sued Again After Being Accused Of Hiding Assets

Author Edwyna Brooks claims Dash owes her close to $100,000 with interest.

An author who won a copyright infringement case against the embattled Harlem native has accused former Roc-A-Fella Records owner Damon Dash of infringement.

According to The New York Post, Dash has yet to fulfill his financial obligation to Edwyna Brooks, who won her case against him in 2020. In a recent lawsuit, she accuses Dash of hiding his money to avoid paying her what she is owed from a previous lawsuit.

Brooks won a $300,000 copyright infringement case against Dash in 2020. In the original copyright lawsuit, Brooks said that Dash marketed and sold a film project based on one of her characters, a female crime boss from a book series she wrote, “Mafietta.” He then countersued but eventually lost that case as well. After last month’s auction did not provide enough capital for her to be compensated, she filed a new lawsuit against him in Manhattan federal court.

Dash and his girlfriend, Rachel Horn, “[comingled] and [used] their companies as one entity and attempt to use the entities in an elaborate liability shifting scheme to avoid judgment debtors on behalf of themselves and their entities,” the lawsuit states.

Her attorney, Chris Brown, claims Dash owes Brooks nearly $100,000 in interest.

The recent lawsuit alleges that Dash and his company, Poppington LLC, tried to hide his assets by moving them to a company not named in the suit.

“Mr. Dash has about $10 million in personal debt,” Brown told the media outlet. “If we would have been made whole from the auction, this lawsuit would not be necessary.”

“Poppington began fraudulently conveying Poppington assets” to a new entity, The Dash Group, “to avoid Brooks’ judgment.”

The lawsuit alleges that Dash has the money, but by placing the assets into TDG, he is skirting Poppington’s responsibility to pay the judgment.

“There is no doubt that Poppington and TDG are related entities and engaged in a defacto merger,” the suit states. “The assets of Poppington were fraudulently conveyed to TDG in order to hide them from Brooks and future judgment creditors.”

In November, the State of New York won an auction of Dash’s share in Roc-A-Fella Records. For $1 million, the state purchased the stake to recover some of the $8.7 million Dash owes to his debtors. However, due to the low amount, which was once expected to fetch $10 million, Dash is still heavily in debt.

Lil. Babby, gambling, 9 million, 40 hours

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 23, 2024

Lil Baby Admits Blowing Nearly $9M Gambling ’40 Hours Straight’

'I made myself stop gambling'

Hip-hop recording artist Lil Baby recently acknowledged that he was such a gambling addict that he lost up to $9 million in less than two days due to his admitted addiction.

In a recent episode of Lil Yachty’s A Safe Place Podcast, he said he gambled for 40 hours and lost between $8 and $9 million. He felt it got so bad that he called Mike Rubin (Philadelphia 76ers and Fanatics owner) to contact every casino to have him banned.

After Yachty asked the “Drip Too Hard” rapper what the most money he had lost was, Baby responded, “Eight million dollars.” Lil Baby replied. “One day, probably like 40 hours. Forty hours straight, I lost, like, $8 million, $9 million. I made myself stop gambling. I had [Fanatics founder] Mike Rubin write a letter to every casino and ban me from the casino ’cause I just do sh**. I don’t gamble no more.”

Baby’s admission led to another popular rapper responding in his typical trolling fashion. 50 Cent posted the video clip on his social media account and referenced former friend and sometimes adversary Floyd “Money” Mayweather.

“😆Nah these young 🥷🏾crazy 8 million Gambling. 😏I thought only Floyd do sh*t like that. LOL, come out of the joint looking distraught. I’m just glad he didn’t kill no body. @bransoncognac @Lecheminduroi“

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 50 Cent (@50cent)

The Atlanta rapper also mentioned, according to Uproxx, that he has a project that will be released at the top of 2025. The album’s name is WHAM (Who Hard As Me), and it will hit the streets on Jan. 3, 2025. He has several featured and popular artists on it, including the just recently released Young Thug, Future, 21 Savage, GloRilla, Rod Wave, and Travis Scott.

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