Fetty Wap — photo credit: Bs.Ballout, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 11, 2025

Fetty Wap’s Sister Advocates For His Early Release During Second Chance Month, ‘Justice Should Also Mean Mercy’

Fetty Wap's sister is advocating for his early release from prison in honor of Second Chance Month.

Fetty Wap’s sister is recognizing April as Second Chance Month by advocating for her rapper brother’s early prison release.

Divinity Maxwell-Butts, sister of “Trap Queen” rapper Fetty Wap, took to Instagram on April 5 to spotlight April as Second Chance Month and call for her brother’s return home to his family. Her message comes as Fetty Wap, real name Willie Maxwell II, continues to serve a six-year prison sentence for drug-related charges—a fact she acknowledged by sharing a screenshot of an article debunking rumors of his early release.

“April is Second Chance Month—a time to recognize that people deserve redemption, not just punishment,” Maxwell-Butts wrote in her caption. “My brother has taken responsibility and served over half his sentence for a nonviolent offense.”

“He is scheduled to be released in 2027, but justice should also mean mercy,” she added. “His sentence should be commuted so he can come home to his family, his children, and his purpose. It’s time.”

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A post shared by Zavier Jordan Maxwell (@fettywap1738)

Fetty Wap was sentenced to six years in prison in May 2023 after being one of several defendants found guilty of participating in a drug trafficking ring that distributed over 100 kilograms of cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine across Long Island and New Jersey. He was initially arrested in October 2021 at the Rolling Loud music festival in New York City.

The “679” rapper was initially released on bond but has been in custody since August 2022, when his bail was revoked. He later pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, a charge with a minimum sentence of five years.

While Fetty Wap remains incarcerated, his fans have shown their support for his sister’s call to have his sentence commuted.

“What ever happened to good behavior time served?” one person asked.

“Can’t wait to hear that trap queen beat drop at ah concert somewhere idccccc lol,” added someone else.

DMX, Billboard, rligious — (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Live Nation)

by Stacy Jackson

April 11, 2025

Judge Rejects DMX Ex-Wife’s Claims Of Owning Half Of Music Catalog

Simmons claimed she was granted 50 percent of intellectual property rights, including, but not limited to, royalties.

A New York judge has ruled that DMX’s ex-wife, Tashera Simmons, cannot claim a 50% stake in the late rapper’s music catalog and other copyrights and likeness rights.

The couple divorced in 2013, years before DMX died from a heart attack. Following the hip-hop legend’s death in 2021, Simmons filed a lawsuit against his estate last year, claiming co-ownership of his music and intellectual property rights. “The estate is the sole owner of all intellectual property rights [that] Earl Simmons acquired during his marriage to the plaintiff, as well as any and all other trademarks and intellectual property rights that belonged to Earl Simmons at the time of his death,” said Judge David F. Everett, according to Billboard.

Judge Everett’s April 7 ruling settles the “intellectual property” dispute in the couple’s 2016 divorce agreement, which reportedly only granted royalty payments for Simmons.

In Simmons’ lawsuit, she claimed that the estate administrators’ dispute over her ownership stake was unwarranted. According to an excerpt from the divorce settlement, Simmons was allegedly granted 50% of intellectual property rights “which shall include, but not be limited to, royalties.” However, Judge Everett said the statement “does not unequivocally assign ownership of decedent’s copyrighted works or trademark” and fails to mention “ownership or title to such property.”

Samuel J. Ferrara, a lawyer representing Simmons, said the judge’s ruling “ignores long-standing legal principles and voids significant benefits to which Ms. Simmons and her children were and should be entitled.” His statement made clear that Simmons and her four children, who she shares with the late rapper, are beyond disappointed with the court’s decision. “It seems that the judge’s ruling does not consider the parties’ intent as evidenced by their conduct,” said Ferrara. From the perspective of DMX’s estate, an attorney said the ruling ensures the preservation of the rapper’s legacy.

In Monday’s ruling, Judge Everett did not disregard Simmons’ accusations that DMX had not paid $214,000 in child support as per the divorce agreement.

DMX’s music catalog includes top charters like “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem,” “Party Up (Up In Here),” and “What These B*tches Want.” Ashley Austin, CEO of Artist Legacy Group, a partner of DMX’s estate, promised to work alongside DMX’s daughter, Sasha Simmons, and his ex-fiancée, Desiree Lindstrom, to protect his rights.

BET Awards — (Photo: Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 11, 2025

BET Announces Lineup, Events For BET Experience 2025

BET Experience will take place in Los Angeles June 5-8, right before BET Awards 2025

The BET Media Group has announced the return of the BET Experience, taking place in Los Angeles June 5-8, 2025.

The BET Experience is a multi–day celebration featuring the best in music culture, and community. This year’s lineup features a variety of music artists throughout the week leading up to the BET Awards happening June 9.

The festivities start June 5, highlighted by Buju Banton headlining a performance at the Hollywood Palladium. Before the reggae icon hits the stage, the BET Experience will collaborate with WayMaker Men’s Summit on June 5 and 6 at The Beehive by SoLa Impact.

There will be two days of networking, engaging in empowering conversation, and community-building primarily focused on men of color. (You can register for this powerful event here.) Expected guest speakers include Nick Cannon, Ben Crump, and Michael Jai White.

A free event, BETX 2025 FanFest, will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8.

On June 8, The Hollywood Bowl will feature the return of The Roots Picnic for A Roots Picnic Experience: Class of ‘95 which will feature the legendary Philadelphia group along with Lil’ Kim, Redman & Method Man, Bone Thugs–N–Harmony, Raekwon, Goodie Mob, E–40, DJ Quik, and Havoc (Mobb Deep).

There is also a BET R&B Night at the YouTube Theater on June 8 featuring performances by Jagged Edge, Donell Jones, and Eric Bellinger along with a special R&B ONLY set featuring Tiára Monique and JABARI.

More details about performers and shows during the BET Experience will be announced at a later date.

For information about any of the events taking place during BET Experience, you can visit online. Updated info can also be viewed on social media on Twitter @bet, or by using #BETX.

Google, Gemini AI — (Photo: Brett Jordan/Pexels)

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 10, 2025

iPhones vs. Surviving Trump’s Tariffs: Financial Strategists Share What Matters Most

While some are pinching pennies, others are rushing to cash in on the latest gadgets, like smartphones

As President Donald Trump dumped hefty tariffs on countries like China and U.S. allies, the backlash of increased prices is forcing consumers to choose between survival mode or luxury items, Fortune reports.

While some are penny-pinching, others are rushing to cash in on the latest tech gadgets like smartphones. As Trump put a 90-day “pause” of tariffs, some shoppers are being extra careful. One woman, who is retired, said due to recent events, she cut back on spending as a precaution.

“I live in an apartment. You can’t stockpile,” the anonymous woman said. “Things are going to keep going up, and we need the money to buy more food next week or the week after.”

For others, groceries are not the priority but more so catching up with the latest gadgets and styles before the price goes up. The new Trump tariffs will affect electronics made in China, with a 104% percent tax, while prices of Vietnam-made clothes will also see a price hike, thanks to a 46% tariff. Charles from Virginia said “tariffs are bad” but plans on picking up a new Apple iPhone in case prices rise.

Keith Taylor, 62, who also recently picked up a new iPhone, says this will be the last purchase. “That’ll be the last thing I purchase until all this gets settled out,” he said.

Households have already been squeezed by high post-Covid inflation in addition to tariff increases. Anastasia Nevin, a mother of two from New York, said she is in “survival mode.” Nevin added, “I have two kids, so I’m just trying to get by. It’s tough.”

LendingTree’s chief consumer financial analyst Matt Schulz says instead of panicking, he advises consumers to stick to their financial plan.

“Regardless of whether tariffs are implemented, your goals are still your goals,” he said, according to the Sacramento Bee. “You still need to invest in your retirement. You still may need to save money to buy a home, pay for your kid’s college education, or pay for a wedding.”

Despite U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins saying this “will be a short time of uncertainty,” Clement Bohr, an economist at the UCLA Anderson Forecast, feels these tariffs are something that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

“It could be devastating to the economy,” Bohr said.

During these times of uncertainty, Schulz recommends planning accordingly over panicking overall.

“Panic leads to bad choices in all aspects of life, and money is definitely no exception,” he said. He advised consumers not to shy away from help in addition to setting up an emergency fund. If there is a need to make large purchases like a car, he feels that should be done sooner than later.

RELATED CONTENT: iPhone Apps that Save You Money

Wendy Williams, Kevin Hunter, spousal, Divorce, Settlement — (Photo: Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)

by Stacy Jackson

April 10, 2025

Higher Court Sides With ‘Wendy Williams Show’ Producers, Reverses Kevin Hunter’s $7M Win

Hunter's claims have been reversed back to the lower court

Wendy Williams’ ex-husband, Kevin Hunter, had his $7 million marital-status-discrimination win against the former talk show host’s show producers reversed, In Touch Weekly reports.

An April 8 ruling by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit reversed a lower court’s decision to deny the show producers’ request to dismiss Hunter’s case against Wendy Williams Show producers Debmar-Mercury, Ira Bernstein and Mort Marcus in 2023.

Hunter’s lawsuit against the show’s producers claimed he was wrongfully fired from his executive producer role amid his divorce from Williams in 2019.

“The termination of [Hunter] was based strictly upon [Hunter’s] marital status and his impending divorce to the Show’s host, ignoring all of the contributions that [Kevin] made to make the Show a success,” his lawsuit read.

Hunter’s lawsuit noted his role in the success of The Wendy Williams Show, including his leadership behind the scenes, making sure Wendy was properly cared for, his contributions to segments like “Hot Topics” and “Shoe Cam,” casting guests, and extending his ideas for marketing. Hunter claimed the producers violated New York law after they unrightfully terminated him from his position due to “marital status.”

Debmar-Mercury fought to dismiss Hunter’s claims since his “marriage to [Williams], in particular, is not a protected characteristic” by New York law. The Second Circuit cited a previous ruling from a court that stated that “marital status” alludes to “whether a person is participating in a marriage, not the nature of one’s relationship with another specific person.”

The Second Circuit ruled that “Hunter does not allege that he was fired because of his status as married, unmarried, or divorced, but, instead, because of his marital status specifically to Williams.”

Hunter previously won the lawsuit against the producers, but the case has been reversed back to the lower court to undergo additional proceedings.

Malcom D. Lee, The Best Man — Courtesy of Malcom D. Lee

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 10, 2025

Malcolm D. Lee, Known For ‘Best Man’ Has ‘Unfinished Business,’ In Upcoming Novel

Lee says the journey of writing the novel has been “incredible,” especially based on what he calls his “most beloved cinematic characters.”

Filmmaker Malcolm D. Lee, director of the hit 1999 movie The Best Man, and best-selling author Jayne Allen are bringing the novel to bookshelves with the release of The Best Man: Unfinished Business, according to a press release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE.

Storehouse Voices, in collaboration with Crown Publishing Group, a Penguin Random House LLC division, will release the novel on Jul. 1 in physical and ebook formats, with an available audiobook edition. The book series picks up from where the 2022 hit Peacock series, The Best Man: The Final Chapters, left off, following the lives of “besties” Harper, Jordan, and Robyn as they “navigate unconventional parenthood, mid-life crises and a second chance at love.”

Allen called the collaborative efforts “thrilling” and says it opened “a new avenue of immersive storytelling for this beloved franchise through the written word.” “I’m very excited for readers to share in the delight of this book series and travel along with its many unexpected twists for Harper, Jordan, Robyn, and the crew,” Allen told People.

“Along with so many others, I’ve treasured this group of friends since The Best Man‘s box office opening in 1999, so I hope that fans will love this fresh take on the well-known characters, especially to discover their voices sparkle as brightly on the page as they do on the screen.”

The popularity of The Best Man led to the 2013 The Best Man Holiday sequel that opened at No. 2 at the box office, starring Taye Diggs, Sanaa Lathan, Nia Long, Terrance Howard, Morris Chestnut, and Harold Perrineau, and the eight-part series, putting Peacock in the Nielsen Top 10 for the first time. It also led to fans wanting more, and that’s what Lee is giving with this new novel.

The acclaimed film director says the journey of writing the novel has been “incredible,” especially based on what he calls his “most beloved cinematic characters.” “Over 25 years, we’ve watched The Best Man characters grow. And even though I thought their stories ended with The Final Chapters, they keep returning, revealing new layers of story and depth,” Lee said.

“This series offers a deeper dive into their inner worlds, allowing their next chapters to unfold in a way only a novel can. Sharing these new stories with longtime fans while introducing them to new audiences in a fresh medium is truly exciting. It’s both a continuation and a new beginning. I couldn’t be more thrilled to take fans old and new along for the ride.”

Following the initial release, the next two books are slated for release in 2026, stringing the character’s stories together throughout the trilogy. Diggs, who played the lead character of Harper, an author whose dirty laundry was aired on the day of his best friend Lance’s wedding, says he is excited to see Harper’s new path. “When you’re as close to the characters as I have been, you think you can predict what’s coming around the corner, but this kept even me on the edge of my seat,” Diggs said.

“From a second chance romance to wrestling with heartbreak and purpose, Malcolm and Jayne have given the best men and women new life. Emotionally-engrossing. Seductive. Impossible to put down. It’s the perfect summer read, full of heat!”

It sounds like a certified page-turner. Pre-orders are available now wherever books are sold.

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T.D. Jakes, Diddy — (Photo: Marcus Ingram/Getty Images)

by Jameelah Mullen

April 10, 2025

T.D. Jakes Backed Atlanta Revitalization Project Faces Setback Amid Disagreement

Are they playing in the Bishop's face?

A proposal to redevelop Atlanta’s old Fort McPherson site has come to a standstill as the project partners and financial backers disagree on the vision. In a letter to the McPherson Implementing Local Redevelopment Authority (MILRA), Jakes’s company, T.D. Jakes Enterprises (TDJE) stated that it has attempted to discuss revitalization, but negotiations have reached a stalemate. Jakes’s company emphasizes that it cannot proceed with the project until both partners agree on a plan.

“Atlanta urgently needs affordable housing and mixed-use development,” the letter obtained by 11 Alive News reads. “Our mission remains clear: to build a thriving, equitable Fort McPherson and deliver what is truly needed where it’s needed most.”

In 2021, Jakes’s company purchased 94 acres of the site as part of a joint venture with Tyler Perry to revitalize the former army base near Tyler Perry Studios. Initial plans indicated that the mixed-use development, which includes 37 acres acquired by Tyler Perry, will feature a residential district, hotels, restaurants, grocery stores, and playgrounds. This development will span over 130 acres. The remaining 92 acres acquired by TDJE are designated for affordable housing, including single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments. The first phase of the project, expected to be completed in 2028, is set to include 105,000 square feet of commercial space and approximately 85,000 square feet designated for senior living.

Soon after he acquired the property, Jakes took to social media to share his purpose and vision for the development.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by T.D. Jakes (@bishopjakes)

“Through various films and conferences, I’ve developed my relationship with the city of Atlanta; this venture is a part of my plan to help break down barriers to success, support the social and financial impact goals within communities, and help the economy work better for all citizens. Such cultural fluency comes from growing up in a similar neighborhood to Fort Mac and the surrounding communities as a child myself. It invests in underserved communities and reduces gentrification,” T.D. Jakes wrote in a 2021 Instagram post.

Quinta Brunson, Temple University — (Photo: Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 10, 2025

Quinta Brunson Addresses Criticism Of Her ‘Abbott Elementary’ Character

Quinta Brunson opens up about how “tough” it was to receive criticism from Black women about her "Abbott Elementary" character.

Quinta Brunson is speaking candidly about the “tough” criticism she’s faced from Black women regarding her Abbott Elementary character, Janine Teagues.

The Emmy-winning actress and comedian joined Amy Poehler on the Good Hang podcast, where she opened up about the challenges of receiving critiques about her hit show, particularly regarding her character and how deeply Black women relate to her.

“I’ll be real with you. She’s a Black character. Black audiences have so few representative characters on screen, and Black womanhood alone is so touchy,” Brunson said. “So when a lot of women were seeing Janine not present as they wanted her to, that became tough — and I understand it.”

She continued, “But I think it’s important for us to have characters who are more realistic than they are the absolute best representation of us. I think it creates layers for us, not only on TV but in the public eye.”

Over its four-season run, Abbott Elementary has earned high ratings and racked up major accolades, including wins at the Emmys, Golden Globes, and Screen Actors Guild Awards. In 2023, Quinta Brunson took home the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy TV Series.

The series follows a diverse group of teachers navigating life at a public school in Philadelphia. Brunson stars as Ms. Teagues, leading a standout cast that includes Tyler James Williams as Gregory Eddie, Sheryl Lee Ralph as Barbara Howard, and Janelle James as Principal Ava Coleman. While the show has been widely praised for its relatable storytelling and heartfelt portrayal of public school teachers, Brunson admits she “wasn’t really thinking about representation” when creating Janine’s character — but acknowledges that, in the end, “she became representation” all the same.

“The interesting struggle about playing comedic characters is [that] you want them to be flawed and have stuff to learn,” Poehler said, noting how difficult it gets “the minute people — either yourself or other people — start to get in your head about what they should be representing.”

Black Woman Loud & Proud OF Her MAGA Hat-Wearing Husband — (Photo: Pexels)

by Kandiss Edwards

April 10, 2025

Black Woman Loud & Proud OF Her MAGA Hat-Wearing Husband

Black woman takes to Instagram to declare her attraction to her husband, a Black man, in a MAGA hat

A Black woman is making waves online for gushing over her “sexy” Black man strutting in a MAGA hat.

The couple—Abba and Angie, known on social media as @blackhippiecouple—are fitness enthusiasts and Trump supporters who post lifestyle content together. In a video posted by The Neigborhood Talk, the pair strolled outside while Angie praises Abba, placed particular emphasis on the meaning behind his red MAGA cap.

“I love when my masculine man puts on his MAGA hat,” she says. “Not only does he look sexy in it, but because it represents this man’s commitment to God, his commitment to his country, and his commitment to his family.”

Though the original video cannot be located on the couple’s main Instagram page, their content continues to echo the same message. Abba and Angie’s image of family values and traditional roles aligns closely with the cultural agenda pushed by the Trump administration.

Not everyone is buying it.

Commenters have flooded the post with criticism, calling the couple’s politics tone-deaf and misinformed. Some warned that their current stance may not survive the real-world impact of Trump’s policy decisions.

User @coldestdee_ever wrote, “Just wait till Trump actions affect her household. She gone be singing a different tune.”

Another user, @7Pedro, took aim at the couple’s use of religious language.

“Please DO NOT PUT GOD in your personal list of bad decisions!! May you have the day you voted for!!”

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A post shared by The Neighborhood Talk (@theneighborhoodtalk)

Many may not agree with the message behind @blackhippiecouple, but some do. The couple represents a growing segment of Black Americans aligning themselves with the MAGA movement—a shift that, while still relatively small, is gaining visibility.

Supporters like Abba and Angie represent this emerging Black right-wing identity. Their social media content centers on fitness, faith, and traditional family values, often wrapped in MAGA messaging. In the 2024 election, former President Donald Trump secured about 20% of the Black vote, up from 13% in 2020, according to Pew Research. Critics argue that this ideology often comes at the cost of overlooking the erasure of Black contributions to American society and the rollback of civil rights protections.

Instead of confronting systemic inequalities, this segment of the movement tends to reframe success through the lens of individualism—dismissing structural issues in favor of “bootstrapping” one’s way to the top. Detractors say it’s a repackaging of internalized biases and bigotry masked as empowerment.

Dublin City Schools Board of Education, Gov. Brian Kemp, financial crisis — (Photo: ZhiCheng Zhang: https://www.pexels.com/photo/rows-of-wooden-chairs-in-blassroom-24030289/)

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 10, 2025

Pennsylvania Department Of Education Tells Schools To Keep DEI Initiatives Alive Amid Trump’s Changes

Pennsylvania Department of Education’s acting secretary, Carrie Rowe, said state DEI initiatives don’t identify as 'illegal'

In a memo, Pennsylvania officials complied with President Donald Trump’s anti-DEI executive orders but told school districts that they don’t need to change any of their diversity, equity, and inclusion practices, claiming there are “no federal or state laws generally prohibiting efforts,” the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Pennsylvania Department of Education (DOE) acting secretary, Carrie Rowe said state DEI initiatives don’t identify as “illegal,” despite the U.S. Department of Education claiming “certain DEI practices” violate federal law and threatening to pull federal funding, including Title I funds targeting high-poverty districts within the state.

In a letter supporting Rowe, Pennsylvania’s Executive Deputy Secretary of Education Angela Fitterer highlighted how the state’s DOE “will continue to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,” banning all discrimination based on race, national origin, or shared ancestry in programs receiving federal funding, according to Chalkbeat Philadelphia.

She also wrote the department confirmed “that it adheres to all applicable laws providing for equal access and participation to all persons,” refusing to bow down to stern orders from the White House.

States like Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New York immediately pushed back against anti-DEI practices. Massachusetts officials told the education department that diversity will continue to be promoted in schools, while Minnesota, where former vice presidential nominee Tim Walz is governor, said the agency “does not have the authority to unilaterally overrule the will of Congress,” touching on threats only penalizing “the most vulnerable children in Minnesota.”

In New York, after Trump gave states 10 days to comply, Counsel and Deputy Commissioner Daniel Morton-Bentley said the federal agency does not have the right—legally—to withhold funding.

“We understand that the current administration seeks to censor anything it deems ‘diversity, equity & inclusion…But there are no federal or State laws prohibiting the principles of DEI,” Morton-Bentley said. “And USDOE has yet to define what practices it believes violate Title VI.”

However, not all states have taken the same route. In New Hampshire, a website was launched to track school districts that failed to comply with the federal directive.

Federal education support accounts for close to 10% of Philadelphia’s school district’s budget, with more than $4.5 billion. Anti-racism and DEI initiatives were priority issues for the district, instructed by Superintendent Tony Watlington, who implemented a five-year plan and drilled practices into the curriculum and professional development strategies.