J. Cole Returns To North Carolina A&T University, Where His Hip-Hop Journey Began
The North Carolina native headed back to the HBCU to celebrate a milestone in his career.
J. Cole made a special visit to North Carolina A&T University, where the HBCU helped spark his music career.
The Fayetteville, North Carolina, native returned to the school where he sold his first-ever CD at the very beginning of his career. According toHBCU Gameday, the “No Role Modelz” rapper stopped by Feb. 7 to show love to the HBCU community that supported him back then.
However, the famed rapper did not stop by without some warning. He shared the memory on X, posting about the memorable time at NCAT and its “GHOE” homecoming. To make the milestone a “full circle” moment, he decided to drive down to Greensboro to sell some copies of his recently released “The Fall Off” LP.
NC A&T. First time I ever sold a physical version of my own full project was on your campus during Homecoming. We sold The Come Up for $1 out the trunk of this car. I’m bout to drive to Greensboro right now to see if I can sell a couple copies of The Fall-Off tonight. Full…
“NCA&T. First time I ever sold a physical version of my own full project was on your campus during Homecoming. We sold The Come Up for $1 out the trunk of this car. I’m bout to drive to Greensboro right now to see if I can sell a couple copies of The Fall-Off tonight. Full circle !!!”
The news outlet confirmed that thousands of students flocked to the yard by the time J. Cole pulled up to the campus. Cole shared a sweet message with the students, inspiring them as he rolled out his personal project.
The HBCU also received a special shoutout in the project. Cole mentioned the nation’s largest HBCU in the track “Safety” for the two-disc album. The move was a nod to his history and legacy in rap and his home state, especially as many speculate that “The Fall Off” is his last before hanging up his mic.
While only J. Cole knows for sure where his career will turn next, fans at NCAT will always have this memory of the rapper showing extra love to their alma mater.
Rosalind ‘Roz’ Brewer Will Receive Legacy Award At The 2026 Women OF Power Summit
Her forward trajectory reflects a decades-long record of leadership at some of the nation’s most influential institutions.
Rosalind “Roz” Brewer is being honored with the 2026 Legacy Award at the BLACK ENTERPRISE Women of Power Summit March 11-15 at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Brewer is a trailblazer with a career defined by firsts across corporate America. Her forward trajectory reflects a decades-long record of leadership at some of the nation’s most influential institutions.
She began her professional career in 1984 at Kimberly-Clark Corporation, over a 22-year tenure, Brewer advanced through leadership roles and ultimately served as president of the Global Nonwovens Division. In 2006, Brewer joined Walmart, where she held multiple senior leadership positions, including regional vice president and president of Walmart East. Only six years later, Walmart named her president and CEO of Sam’s Club, making her the first Black person to lead a Walmart division.
"The next level of leadership is about becoming great listeners, acting on the information, and making your people feel included" – American businesswoman and former CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Rosalind "Roz" Brewer. #TPPAfrica#LeadershipQuotespic.twitter.com/XpDcG70g0r
Brewer joined Starbucks Corporation in 2017, as chief operating officer and group president. In her ascension she became the first woman and first African American to hold the role. In March 2021, Brewer was appointed CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance and joined the company’s board of directors. At the time of her appointment, she was among a small number of Black women leading Fortune 500 companies.
Beyond her executive roles, Brewer has served on the boards of Amazon, Starbucks, Lockheed Martin, and Molson Coors Brewing Company. She currently serves on the board of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture and is interim president and chair emerita of Spelman College.
Brewer is ranked among the Most Powerful Women in Business on the Forbes 50 Over 50 list amongst many other honors. Her next honor will arrive at the Women of Power Summit in Vegas. She is beyond a doubt a visionary and has rightfully earned her place with a select group of leaders whose careers continue to shape corporate leadership and expand opportunity. To learn more about the 2026 Women of Power Summit click here.
Bob Marley’s Love Of Soccer Steps Into Focus In New Adidas Collection
The release coincides with what would have been Marley’s 80th birthday and arrives as global attention builds toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
By Robert Hill
Adidas released a new apparel and footwear collection in collaboration with the Bob Marley Foundation on Feb. 6, celebrating the late reggae icon’s legacy and lifelong passion for soccer.
The release coincides with what would have been Bob Marley’s 80th birthday and arrives as global attention builds toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The collection honors Marley’s passion for the sport, which was often described as his love outside of music.
Marley’s connection to soccer played a central role in the collaboration and has been recognized as a piece of his identity. The late artist often referred to the sport as a source of freedom, unity, and personal expression, often watching matches while on tour. His love for soccer and Jamaica, combined with his global cultural influence, led Adidas to create an apparel line in his honor.
The apparel features the powerful phrase “Football is Freedom” on graphic T-shirts with Marley’s face. Other items include basketball shorts and shoes.
Rolling Stone reported, “Of particular note is the Bob Marley Gazelle Jamaica Shoe featured in the capsule, which reimagines one of Adidas’ hero silhouettes in bright yellow and green, with a touch of ruby lining the classic Three Stripes overlays on the upper. The German brand’s signature, thick rubber outsole is present here, too: doling out traction on surfaces from the turf to the city sidewalk.”
Adidas carefully crafted the designs as the brand worked closely with the Bob Marley Foundation, drawing inspiration from archival photographs, tour-era clothing, and Marley’s style to create pieces that reflect his love for music, football, and Jamaican culture, as provided by the foundation.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, the Bob Marley and Adidas collaboration reflects how brands continue to align prominent figures with sporting moments. This collaboration reinforces that Marley’s influence will continue to spread for generations to come.
Trump Disinvites Wes Moore, Nation’s Only Black Governor, From National Governors Association Dinner
'As the nation’s only Black governor, I can’t ignore that being singled out for exclusion from this bipartisan tradition carries an added weight — whether that was the intent or not,' Moore stated.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore says he was uninvited from the National Governors Association’s annual dinner with the President. The governor shared the news in a statement, noting the Trump administration’s departure from the longstanding tradition.
“As the nation’s only Black governor, I can’t ignore that being singled out for exclusion from this bipartisan tradition carries an added weight — whether that was the intent or not.”
Moore also noted that weeks ago, he was part of a group of bipartisan governors who visited the White House and collaborated with the Trump administration to reach an agreement on reforms to lower energy costs and improve grid reliability. Moore emphasized that the meeting showed what becomes possible when leaders prioritize results over politics.
In a conversation with CNN, Moore said he doesn’t know the President’s intent in disinviting him, but he did note that his race is something that he can’t ignore.
“I’m never in a room because of someone’s benevolence or kindness. I’m not in a room because of a social experiment. I’m in the room because I belong there, and the room was incomplete until I got there,” Moore told the outlet.
The White House traditionally hosts a black-tie dinner after governors from all 50 states gather in Washington, D.C., for an annual bipartisan meeting. However, this year the President did not invite several Democratic governors to the dinner, including Moore and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis. Both have publicly criticized Trump. Still, other Democratic leaders who have been outspoken critics of the President, such as California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, received invitations.
“To disinvite individual governors to the White House sessions undermines an important opportunity for federal-state collaboration.” National Governors Association CEO Brandon Tatum said in a statement obtained by CNN.
Connect Music: Black-Owned Music Rights Tech Firm Hits $80M Milestone
With the new financing, Connect Music will have the opportunity to scale its acquisition and licensing strategy.
Connect Music, a Black-owned music rights and tech company based in Memphis, just hit an $80 million milestone. The company reached this achievement with Rockmont Partners and Variant Investments.
The new financing positions Connect Music for significant growth in catalog acquisition, music licensing, and data-driven solutions. It’s a move that the company’s CEO, George Monger, said will empower independent artists and labels.
“This investment represents transformational growth capital for Connect Music and the artist partners we serve,” said Monger. “It gives us the ability to grow aggressively while staying true to our mission: empowering creators to maximize their earnings while owning their art, their data, and their future.”
Connect Music Expanding Opportunity For Independent Artists and Labels
Monger began his career managing an international opera singer on tour and later launched a nonprofit music organization. He served as Chief Operating Officer of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra for four years before launching Connect Music in 2020.
He set out to provide independent artists and labels with transparent technology and financing typically reserved for key industry players.
“We have seen Connect accelerate from a bold vision into a scaled, high-performing business,” said Curt Futch, managing director at Rockmont Partners. “George’s ability to pair operational discipline with a deep commitment to creators has been a differentiator at every stage, and we have been impressed with how he executes on his plans.”
With the new financing, Connect Music will have the opportunity to scale its acquisition and licensing strategy and deploy proprietary AI models that could allow artists to earn more from their intellectual property.
“Managing artists and running a nonprofit taught me that talent alone isn’t enough- artists deserve systems that honor their creativity and secure their future,” Monger added. “My mission is to redefine what it means to win in music: where ownership, education, and empowerment coexist. This investment allows us to scale while keeping creators at the center of every decision.”
A Look At Black Historical Halftime Performances On Super Bowl Sunday
The Super Bowl halftime stage is a cultural indicator of who dominates American music.
The halftime stage at Super Bowl Sunday is a cultural indicator of who dominates American music and media power on the biggest sports night of the year. Year-after-year, Black artists have continuously defined the Super Bowl’s most iconic halftime performances.
Performances by contemporary artists such as Dr. Dre and Kendrick Lamar were culturally impactful, bringing in major audiences and revenue growth to Super Bowl Sunday. Notably, they aren’t the only ones. Over the years, historical music moments have demonstrated how Black creative talent maintains its position as the global standard for showmanship, storytelling and musical innovation during Super Bowl Sunday. Check them out.
Michael Jackson
The King of Pop’s 1993 Super Bowl halftime show in Pasadena was a game-changer. His performance dramatically increased halftime viewership and turned the segment into a major cultural event. The production approach and medley that Jackson performed established the blueprint for halftime performances for the following years.
Prince
On Feb. 4, 2007 Prince performed a career-defining halftime show (in the rain, no less) during Super Bowl XLI in Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Prince’s halftime show received critical acclaim, especially Prince’s stamina during the “Purple Rain” performance. It became one of the most memorable events in sports history.
Beyoncé (and Destiny’s Child)
In 2013, Beyoncé, along with fellow Destiny’s Child members Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, delivered a high-energy throwback performance in New Orleans. The show presented Beyoncé’s distinctive pop-R&B music style through a collection of hit songs that mesmerized the crowd.
Diana Ross
At Super Bowl XXX in January 1996, legendary entertainer Diana Ross performed a solo halftime show. Through multiple medleys and theatrical staging, Ross showcased her musical showmanship and demonstrated the richness of Black performance art through elaborate staging and choreography.
Stevie Wonder
In 1999 in Miami, Stevie Wonder presented a soulful musical performance, blessing football fans with his musical legacy and performing with other artists.
Rihanna
On Feb. 12, 2023, Rihanna performed as the main act of the Super Bowl LVII halftime show at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The international hitmaker’s performance became one of the most viewed and discussed halftime shows of recent years. Rihanna revealed her pregnancy during the show and demonstrated her commitment to performance art
Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, and 50 Cent
On Feb. 13, 2022, six legends took the stage at the Super Bowl LVI halftime show at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The hip-hop artists and R&B legend, performed the first halftime show that focused exclusively on hip-hop culture, combining nostalgic elements with cultural influence to redefine halftime show conventions.
Kendrick Lamar
At the 2025 Super Bowl LIX halftime show, Kendrick Lamar and SZA performed a dynamic and theatrical halftime set that combined hip-hop music with social commentary. The performance on Feb. 9, 2025 attracted a large audience due to Kendrick’s highly publicized hip-hop battle with Drake.
Usher
The R&B superstar was the headliner at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Feb. 11 2024, where he he showcased three decades of musical dominance. The event made it clear that Usher’s music continues to endear audiences both commercially and culturally.
Janet Jackson
The Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show featured Janet Jackson as a co-headliner with Justin Timberlake on Feb. 1, 2004. The performance resulted in a “wardrobe malfunction” that left Jackson’s bosom exposed after Timberlake snatched part of her brassiere top, and created lasting effects on broadcast standards and censorship debates while increasing the scrutiny of Black women who perform on major stages.
Whitney Houston
At Super Bowl XXV in 1991, Whitney Houston performed what many people regard as the greatest rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The performance became one of Houston’s best and achieved commercial success while receiving widespread acclaim. The performance established new standards for vocal excellence and emotional impact in anthem performances.
Black Star Power Lights Up Super Bowl Commercial Breaks With Spike Lee, Serena Williams, And More
Black celebrities across sports and entertainment will take part in this year's Super Bowl ads.
Black celebrities are getting their own spotlight during the highly-anticipated commercials for this year’s Super Bowl.
These superstars in entertainment and sports will make the big game even more special as the Seattle Seahawks take on the New England Patriots on Feb. 8. Throughout the game, fans can catch their favorites in Black Hollywood appear on Super Bowl commercials.
Spike Lee, Marshawn Lynch, and streamer IShowSpeed will star in a new commercial with Oakley Meta, showing off the possibilities with the Meta AI-powered sunglasses, as reported by ESPN. The clip shows the NFL retiree skydiving, the Twitch star running against an airplane, and the Do The Right Thing director making a cameo at the end of the minute-long advertisement.
As for more Black elite athletes, Baltimore Ravens star Derrick Henry will feature his face despite not making it to the actual showdown. The running back partnered with Oikos for a Super Bowl commercial to show off his own throwing skills to impress some football fans during the game.
Outside of football, Serena Williams is swinging big with her ongoing partnership with telehealth company Ro. As a spokeswoman for their weight loss treatments, Williams will continue promoting the brand and her usage of its GLP-1 for her own fitness journey.
For our entertainers, Ludacris will also join the fun with his own ad for Frank’s Red Hot sauce, as Keegan Michael-Key will show off his singing chops in a new State Farm commercial. Dawn Staley will even make her Super Bowl commercial debut with a collaboration for Dove. She will be featured in its 2026 Body Confident Sport campaign, promoting body positivity and confidence for all women.
Even some acclaimed Oscar winners will get their due time with a seconds-long shot. Oscar winner Octavia Spencer will team up with Sofia Vergara for a Boehringer Ingelheim commercial. Titled “Mission: Detect the SOS,” the actresses will raise awareness for kidney damage and increased heart risk for those with Type 2 diabetes.
As sports fans get ready for the NFL championship, they can see Black Hollywood take the limelight during game breaks.
Sade Reaches New Billboard Top 10 Milestone With Decades-Old Album
A "Smooth Operator" reconnects.
By Robert Hill
Sade Adu, the lead singer of the groundbreaking London group, Sade, has reached a new chart milestone as The Best of Sade, a compilation released more than three decades ago, entered the top 10 of the Billboard Top R&B Albums for the first time.
The album climbed from No. 12 to No. 10, marking the group’s first-ever top 10 placement on Billboard’s R&B albums ranking. Initially released in 1994, The Best of Sade continues to gain traction through streaming and catalog consumption, underscoring the band’s lasting appeal across generations. The compilation debuted on the chart in August 2024 and reached the top tier 62 weeks into its run.
Beyond its top 10 breakthroughs on the R&B chart, The Best of Sade also posted gains across several other Billboard rankings. The album climbed from No. 33 to No. 30 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and rose from No. 103 to No. 90 on the Billboard 200. While the project has reached higher positions on those lists in the past, its continued upward movement highlights its sustained popularity decades after its release.
The compilation has also maintained a strong presence on jazz-focused charts. The Best of Sade currently leads both the Billboard Jazz Albums and the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Albums rankings, where it has spent extended time at No. 1.
Forbesreported, “Currently, Sade only manages to appear in more than one space on a single Billboard roster, the Contemporary Jazz Albums chart.”
“The Best of Sade features songs from the band’s first four studio albums, Diamond Life,Promise, Stronger Than Pride, and Love Deluxe. Since its release, the compilation has earned four platinum certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America, totaling more than 4 million units sold and streamed in the U.S.
Falcons Linebacker James Pearce Jr. Arrested After Police Chase Following Alleged Domestic Dispute with WNBA Star
The police chase reportedly erupted after officers arrived to investigate a domestic dispute between Pearce Jr. and Rickea Jackson, his ex-girlfriend.
Falcons rookie James Pearce Jr. was arrested by Miami area police following an alleged domestic dispute.
The 22-year-old tried to evade officers who arrived after receiving a call about a man and a woman, assumed to be Pearce and WNBA star Rickea Jackson, his ex-girlfriend, leading to the chase.
According to TMZ Sports, Pearce drove away from the scene as police began investigating, but crashed his vehicle, allowing police to take him into custody. Footage of what looked to be Pearce’s arrest went viral as it took several officers to pin down the linebacker for the arrest.
Pearce faces two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, and fleeing/eluding police.
“We are aware of an incident involving James Pearce Jr. in Miami,” the Atlanta Falcons said in a statement. “We are in the process of gathering more information and will not have any further comment on an open legal matter at this time.”
The team selected Pearce with the 26th selection in the first round of 2025 NFL draft. He placed third in the 2025 Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.
Jackson is a forward for the Los Angeles Sparks about to start her third season in the WNBA. The duo appeared together throughout most of 2025, but Jackson announced their split that September, according to On3.
Although the investigation remains ongoing, some sources claim Pearce attempted to crash his vehicle into Jackson’s own car. Fox Sports anchor Andy Slater shared that he reportedly did so to prevent Jackson from going to police.
SLATER SCOOP: James Pearce Jr. is accused of intentionally crashing his Lamborghini into his ex-girlfriend’s car multiple times, trying to stop her from getting to a police station, law-enforcement sources tell me.
Kirk Franklin Urges Church Leaders To Speak Out Against ICE Raids
Franklin called out church leaders silence by reminding them of what Jesus preached.
Kirk Franklin is reminding church leaders what Jesus stood for in this current time of political strife.
The gospel music staple appeared on the Grammys’ red carpet with a message of urgency for his fellow disciples. He noted how many leaders of the Christian faith have remained mum on the current immigration enforcement across the U.S., which have sparked anti-ICE protests nationwide.
Franklin reminded leaders that Jesus was an immigrant himself. Baller Alertshared footage of Franklin’s provocative words.
Kirk Franklin shares his thoughts on what the Church could be doing during today’s climate. He reminds people that Jesus’ parents were immigrants and emphasizes that the mission isn’t just about saving souls, it’s also about protecting lives.
“I think that we should be intentional about being very vocal about, first of all, Jesus’ momma and daddy were immigrants,” Franklin said. “We need to be very careful to not be arrogant and prideful. We need to get in the streets and to be able to save and love as many people as we can. And when I say ‘save,’ I’m not talking about just their souls. I’m talking about their lives.”
In his call to action, Franklin wanted Christianity’s biggest voices to stand up for humanity, deeming it an essential part of their religion. As for his assertion of Jesus being an immigrant, biblical accounts dictate that Jesus’ parents traveled to Egypt out of fear of persecution of the infant prophet in Bethlehem.
He added, “We need to be feeding people, taking care of people, looking out for people…we need to be more compassionate about the human race.”
Not everybody was receptive to Franklin’s words on social media.
“OK [Kirk], don’t the Bible say that we have to follow the rules of the land so if people are coming illegally, that means they’re not following the rules of the land that’s what God says,” wrote one opposer.
Churches, especially those run by Black clergy, have been instrumental in other civil rights and social causes throughout U.S. history. More recently, faith leaders such as Pastor Jamal Bryant have led boycotts against major retailers amid the anti-DEI push.
But as anti-ICE advocacy becomes prevalent, Franklin wants the pulpit to become a platform for this cause, which impacts people of all backgrounds
Despite the backlash, others believe that the pushback to Franklin’s encouragement to love and support all people as Jesus would may say more about the current state of Christian leadership than the singer.
