money, Shedeur Sanders
Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 11, 2025

Shedeur Sanders Stays Loyal To Wearing Deion Sanders’ Signature Nikes When Offered Brand Jordan Sneakers

'I'm at a dilemma here, I only wear Dad's shoes, so its like it's cool, but it's like, I don't wear nothing else but that.'

Shedeur Sanders stayed loyal to his father and his Nike sneakers when he turned down an offer to receive some rare Jordan Brand sneakers during Super Bowl weekend.

A viral video shows Shedeur being shown some Jordan sneakers. The future NFL player looks perplexed but tells the person showing him the footwear that he is loyal to his father and only wears Nike made for his father, Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders.

The incident occurred over the weekend in New Orleans when everyone was in town for the Super Bowl contest between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. While viewing a pile of Jordan Nikes, although he looks like he may be interested in receiving some sneakers, he hesitates and admits that he only wears his “dad’s” shoes, stating he wears “nobody else’s shoes,” including ones by NBA Hall of Famer, Michael Jordan.

After being told that there were only a few of the ones he was being shown, he still wasn’t moved to pick any of them.

“I don’t know. I’m in a dilemma here. I only wear Dad’s shoes, so it’s like it’s cool, but it’s like, I don’t wear anything else but that. I’m you know what I mean, so I don’t know what to do here.”

“But, I gotta be true͏ to who I am. ͏͏I d͏on’t wear ͏nobo͏dy ͏else’s sh͏oes. I d͏o͏n’t wear Jordans. None of that,” Shedeur added. “My Dad has his own shoes.”

The shoes Shedeur refers to were recently re-released Nike Diamond Turfs, which his father wore while playing in the NFL during his Hall of Fame career. The sneakers were originally released over 30 years ago, in 1994. They were immediately sold out within minutes of going on sale.

Complex reported that the Nike Air Diamond Turf was released in 1993, the last year Sanders played with the Atlanta Falcons. There were follow-up versions of the original footwear: the Air Diamond Turf 2, which came out in 1994, debuted when Coach Prime was a member of the San Francisco 49ers. While wearing those sneakers, Sanders won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award and took home a Super Bowl trophy.

Two years later, the Diamond Turf Max ’96 was released. In 1997, the Air Diamond Turf 4 went on sale, and the last in the series, the Air Diamond Turf 5, debuted in 1998.

Now, the latest version of the footwear was released in January 2025.

RELATED CONTENT: Drake Backs Off Legal Action Against Universal Music Group, Spotify

Texas DEI Ban, scholarship, HBCU
(Photo: Monstera Production/Pexels)
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 11, 2025

Small Businesses Can Use Checkout Technology To Help Tackle DEI Challenges

Written by Toju Ogbeide

As diversity, equity, and inclusion policies face far-reaching rollbacks across the U.S., many business owners are left wondering how the causes they care about can continue receiving support. Fortunately, technology is on your side. Compassion and impact can now be built right into your brand’s payment flow. Right now, there’s a tremendous opportunity for businesses to back organizations facing cutbacks or regulatory challenges — while also boosting their own performance.

Take a cue from major brands like Costco. According to Engage For Good, Costco was in the top five for charity checkout campaigns in 2022, raising more than $48.7 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Yet, the notion that only large companies can drive meaningful change is misleading. Small business owners can also make a significant impact. The company I founded, Goodszilla, is an impact-driven fintech that helps integrate charitable action directly into checkout processes — a sort of “compassion button” that anyone can add to their Shopify, Wix, or in-store point-of-sale system.

I was raised by a mother who was a nurse and a father who was a doctor. Watching them positively impact people’s lives inspired me to harness technology in solving world problems. My nonprofit work with the Rotary Club focused on grassroots fundraising, sparked the idea for Goodszilla. I saw how technology could simplify and enhance the process of giving back.

Since 2023, our plug-in has been connecting business owners with all North American charitable organizations. Whether a brand chooses to support Feeding America, like Chosen Foods — a wellness-focused consumer packaged goods company — or aligns with other causes, the technology offers endless customization. Nielsen research shows that 66% of consumers are more likely to remain loyal to a brand that actively demonstrates social responsibility, underscoring the importance of aligning with values that resonate with your customer base.

Our case studies reinforce the benefits of incorporating charitable giving at checkout. Brands using these initiatives have seen repeat purchases climb by as much as 30% to 35%, and others have experienced a 25% increase in repeat business along with higher overall basket sizes. Customers often respond positively when they know a portion of their spending is directed toward a worthy cause, sometimes even matched by the company.

The truth is that brands that are charitable tend to differentiate themselves and build lasting reputations. In a crowded market, a commitment to social impact can set you apart, foster loyalty, and ultimately drive growth. Whether you operate online or in-store, every brand now has the opportunity to integrate meaningful social change into every transaction.

Other businesses, such as Land Grove Coffee, Simpleaf Brands, and Bea’s Bayou Skincare, are already leveraging our plug-in. Simpleaf, a Black-owned business making baby products, has not only allocated 1% of purchases to charitable giving but has also run successful campaigns like “buy three, donate one.” Skin by Ariel, another Black-owned brand, has seen a remarkable uptick in sales thanks to similar initiatives.

The work to ensure this technology is seamless has been nonstop. By embedding our end-to-end customizable plug-in into the checkout flow, we’ve removed the complexities traditionally associated with compliance and point-of-sale giving. The result is a democratization of charitable giving, where businesses of all sizes can participate in a multi-billion-dollar industry while driving genuine impact.

The era of “if you’re not big, you can’t make an impact” is over. Every transaction becomes an opportunity for change — transforming commerce into a force for good. Let’s reimagine the checkout not just as the end of a sale but as a moment where compassion and growth come together for a better tomorrow.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Businesses In DC Push Back Against DEI Rollbacks At Retailers Like Walmart And Target

Toju Ogbeide is the CEO & Founder of Goodszilla, Inc. He is a visionary social impact entrepreneur and IT expert who is passionate about using technology to drive positive change. Toju has created a revolutionary platform that leverages the power of commerce to fundraise for social good.
Young Thug, YSL, RICO, Lil Woody
(Photo: The Come Up Show/Flickr)
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 11, 2025

Georgia Lawmakers Push Bill To Restrict Use Of Lyrics In Court Cases Due To Young Thug Trial

The bill would set new conditions for lyrics or other artistic material to be used as evidence.

Georgia lawmakers are hoping for a bill to set a new court standard in the aftermath of the RICO trial against Young Thug.

The state politicians introduced House Bill 237 to the floor, wanting to limit the usage of artistic material as evidence in court cases. The push to do so follows the infamous criminal trial, which became the longest-running one in Georgia history. The racketeering case against Young Thug and several other defendants associated with his YSL cohort, saw rap lyrics used as evidence by the prosecution. Moreover, prosecutors used tattoos and social media posts to also defend their case against the rapper and the other defendants.

In light of this and the surrounding controversies the trial faced, a group of Georgia representatives is now pushing for heightened restrictions on artistic materials used for such matters. They have urged to only use such items when deemed relevant and admissible by the court.

“Evidence of a defendant’s creative or artistic expression, whether original or derivative, shall not be received into evidence against such defendant in a criminal proceeding unless such evidence is determined by the court to be relevant and admissible after an offer of proof by the proponent of the evidence outside the hearing of a jury, or such hearing as the court may require, and a statement by the court regarding the findings of fact essential to its determination of admissibility is made part of the record,” detailed the bill, as obtained by WSB-TV.

Moreover, the bill set conditions that the proposed evidence must be in order for its consideration. These include evidence that shows the defendant’s intentions to “adopt the literal meaning of the work as the defendant’s own thought or statement,” as well as a “strong factual nexus” that the exact material specifically refers to the crime alleged.

If allowed, the lyrics or artistic material used, such as other media, dance, or visual art, will also undergo “careful redactions” with “proper instructions” included when presented. However, lawmakers have only introduced the bill thus far. Following previous efforts to do so, it would break new ground for artists in high-profile criminal trials.

RELATED CONTENT: Universal Music Group Requests Dismissal Of Drake Lawsuit

Deloitte, DEI
iMahesh, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
by Sharelle B. McNair

February 11, 2025

And Another One: Deloitte Latest Top Corporation To Cut DEI Initiatives 

Who's next?

The world’s largest accounting firm, Deloitte, is one of the latest corporations to end its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives for its private and public practices, The San Francisco Standard reported. 

In an email to internal employees sent on Feb. 10, Deloitte’s chief people officer, Doug Beaudoin, said changes are being made after “a detailed review of all pertinent government directives to ensure we comply with their requirements, both as a private enterprise and as a government contractor.”

“We will sunset our workforce and business aspirational diversity goals, our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Transparency Report, and our DEI programming,” he said. 

While Beaudoin emphasized that “everyone is welcome at Deloitte,” the company is following the footsteps of other Fortune 500 corporations – Google, Meta and more – who have either scrapped or dialed back their DEI practices. But Deloitte was one company that once stood tall against conservative ideologies and tactics until 2024. 

Trump allies caught wind of private messages between a Deloitte employee and then-Ohio senate nominee JD Vance from 2020, where Vance stated he thought Trump “thoroughly failed to deliver” on his economic agenda. Once The Washington Post got a hold of the messages, Trump allies called on the federal government to punish the consulting company, claiming an executive was trying to interfere with the 2024 election. “An executive at @Deloitte … decided to interfere in the election & leak private convos with JD Vance to help Kamala Harris,” the President’s son, Donald Trump Jr., wrote on X. 

“Maybe it’s time for the GOP to end Deloitte’s taxpayer-funded gravy train?” 

Prior to President Trump’s executive orders to attack DEI initiatives, Deloitte was once a leader in the field, according to the Financial Times. The firm announced several DEI goals that were projected to be reached in 2025, including a spend of $200 million with “Black-led businesses” and heightening the presence of gender and ethnic diversity for principals, managing directors, and U.S. partners. 

But now, consultants of the firm who work for the government were asked to remove pronouns that highlight their genders from email signatures, particularly ones sent to external entities, to “to align with emerging government client practices and requirements.” 

In light of the latest changes, the email stated Deloitte will still carry out some diversity-related initiatives such as Heritage Month events, internal ethnic networks, and “inclusion councils.” The company also claims that hiring practices will be improved in order to make them “fair and non-discriminatory.”

RELATED CONTENT: Universal Music Group Requests Dismissal Of Drake Lawsuit

UnitedHealthcare
(Photo: Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images)
by Mitti Hicks

February 11, 2025

UnitedHealth Group Hires Defamation Law Firm To Go After Social Media Posts

UnitedHealth Group hired defamation law firm Clare Locke LLP to take on people who posted what the company believes to be 'untrue' and 'reckless' claims.

Two months after its CEO, Brian Thompson, was shot and killed in broad daylight, UnitedHealth Group is fighting back on what the company calls “defamation” claims. According to Bloomberg Law, the company hired a defamation law firm to take on people who posted what the company believes to be “untrue” and “reckless” claims.

Virginia-based law firm Clare Locke LLP is representing UnitedHealth Group. This is the same law firm that co-represented Dominion Voting Systems following the 2020 election. Dominion sued Fox News Channel for $1.6 billion. The conservative media giant settled, paying Dominion $787.5 million.

According to the law firm’s website, the team is “dedicated to litigating complex defamation matters and representing clients facing high-profile reputational attacks.”

Clare Locke Threatens Social Media Users With Defamation Lawsuit Over UnitedHealth

Following the death of Thompson, many social media users responded with a firestorm of opinions, including a lack of sympathy. Some users voiced that his death comes as no surprise and pointed out what many say is a broken healthcare system. Many users highlighted their own experiences with the health insurance giant, with many users pointing out instances when their procedures were denied.

According to Fortune.com, Dr. Elisabeth Potter, a plastic surgeon, posted a video on Instagram claiming UnitedHealthcare called her mid-surgery to justify an in-patient stay for a woman with breast cancer who needed a surgical procedure to treat it. Dr. Potter says United ultimately denied her an overnight stay and threatened her with legal action for the posts.

Days later, she posted screen grabs of the letter, which appears to be from Clare Locke. The letter states, “We are writing to demand you correct your knowingly false, misleading, and defamatory posts regarding UnitedHealthcare.”

According to Potter, the insurer contacted her, claiming she made an error. Potter claims Clare Locke also demands a public apology and a retraction of her accusations.

“I am a woman taking care of women affected by breast cancer,” Potter said on X. “I do this work with all of my heart, and I will continue to speak up for my patients –– because they deserve better.”

RELATED CONTENT: Drake Sues Universal Music Group, Claims Label Boosted Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ To Damage Career

Khalid Kamal, mayor, Kobi, racist, messages, investigation, south Fulton
(Photo: Prince Williams/WireImage)
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 11, 2025

South Fulton Mayor Defends Overspending Concerns, Says $26K In Travel Was To Promote The City

Kamau argued that his international excursions were in the city's interest.

South Fulton’s controversial mayor, Khalid Kamau, continues to defend his spending habits despite an audit launched by the city council.

Kamau has faced heat from both South Fulton’s city council and residents for taking international trips without others’ knowledge. These trips ranged from Colombia to Paris, with a recent flight to Ghana in December.

The costs have racked up to $26k for the city, sparking concerns. However, he shared to a Ghanaian talk show that he is, in fact, “promoting” South Fulton to the global diaspora.

Not only is his travel in question, but also his expensive office renovations. Covered previously in BLACK ENTERPRISE, he also spent $1,800 on a table that transforms into a pool table.

Despite these questionable purchases, Kamau, also known as Mayor Kobi, argued that his spending and travel expenditures helped the city. In light of the brewing investigation against him, Kamau began hosting Mayor Mondays for constituents to tour the new office.

According to Fox 5, he has also used the initiative to defend his case, stating that his promotion of the city as a Black hub opened up new doors.

We’ve been chasing these Fortune 500 companies, trying to get them to invest in our city, and all we get are warehouses and data centers. When I started talking about us being the blackest city in America, we started getting invitations from all over the world,” explained Kamau, who still intends to run for re-election.

He also slammed the allegations that the city council members had no clue about his work travel.

“Here is the crazy thing: I have been sharing with the council for years. After my first trip to Colombia in 2024, I took them all out to dinner; five council members were there. The video in the newsletter is proof. You can see the same council people who are criticizing me are at the dinner,” the mayor continued.

Given the mounting allegations, Kamau made a website listing his travel receipts and pictures of his time in these countries. The matter of his undocumented receipts has also been an issue, with over 100 P-card transactions unaccounted for. Moreover, he addressed why he did not defend his actions at a recent council meeting as well.

“There have been all of these allegations that I have mishandled funds. We had to create an entire website because when I try to make presentations about it at the council meeting, the item was removed from the agenda. I was blocked from speaking,” Kamau said.

Despite his claims of innocence, the city council members are not buying his claims. District 3 Councilwoman Helen Willis pushed back on Kamau’s insistence that they knew about his whirlwind travel.

“We are not tearing you down. You took your Black behind over to Africa for 20 days and didn’t tell anybody,” expressed Willis.

While the political matter wages on, Kamau hopes to further his position at the next council meeting.

RELATED CONTENT: Drake Sues Universal Music Group, Claims Label Boosted Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ To Damage Career

My little rosebud, Mika Simpson
Photo: Marjanne Suarez, Courtesy of Mika Simpson
by Stacy Jackson

February 11, 2025

My Little Rosebud Founder Mika Simpson Launches 2025 ‘Forever Collection’ Just In Time For Valentine’s Day

My Little Rosebud's 2025 Forever Collection offers a Grande option of 100 preserved roses

Maryland businesswoman Mika Simpson is blossoming into a master florist with her popular flower company, My Little Rosebud, and with a new collection of preserved roses, she’s expanded her catalog of elegant arrangements nationwide.

The former Atlanta lash technician founded My Little Rosebud in Capitol Heights, Maryland to offer an experience and provide fresh bouquets to locals. After being in the floral industry for nearly a year and a half, her company has already bloomed into a six-figure business venture and the florist’s recent addition for her customers, whom she refers to as “Rosebuds,” is giving true romance and the beauty of fresh blooms.

Simpson introduced BLACK ENTERPRISE to her 2025 “Forever Collection,” a hand-selected line of roses she described as timeless treasures. “We wanted to offer our customers something truly special — roses that capture the romance and beauty of fresh blooms, but with the convenience and longevity that we all crave,” the floral boutique owner said.

2025 Forever Collection

In January, My Little Rosebud launched the Forever Collection, preserved roses which last for up to three years. They’re real roses that go through an eco-friendly preservation process which allows them to expand their lifetime. The roses are carefully treated and require no water or sunlight to maintain their natural appearance, texture, and fragrance. “I decided to launch that just because I know a lot of people really enjoy the gift of flowers and sharing something special with someone,” said Simpson, who also kept in mind people who may not have the time or know how to properly care for them. Since the preserved roses in the Forever Collection minimize the maintenance load for those who Simpson said may not have the “green thumb.”

The Forever Collection offers exquisite options in three different sizes that customers can cherish for a long time. “We have small, large, and our grande, which is [a bouquet] of one hundred preserved roses,” she said. The exclusive line is available in red, white, and pink.

“They’re gorgeous. They smell great. I’m obsessed with them!” she said.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day!

Boxed and elegantly packaged, the Forever Collection is perfect for anyone looking for long-lasting gifts that symbolizes beauty, elegance and affection. “It’s just one of those gifts that you can give to someone for almost any occasion,” the My Little Rosebud founder said. “They can be a gift to yourself just to have something in your home, graduation, [or] birthdays.”

So, what’s the perfect gift to pair with a bouquet of roses from the 2025 Forever Collection? “The perfect gift, in my opinion, would be a love letter,” said Simpson. “Because you don’t have to spend money on it. It’s really just the thought and I think those are the perfect pairs.” Going for a more grand gesture, the Maryland florist recommended the Grande bouquet. “In person, it’s huge,” she said. “But even if you want to do something small, we have our smaller sizes. I just want them to experience the love.”

My Little Rosebud bouquets are an experience and Simpson hopes her Rosebuds enjoy their flowers while they’re still alive. “Roses, especially, have an amazing scent,” she said. Simply going up to them and smelling them everyday, making sure the timeless treasures are cared for and kept visible, will allow for a more intimate experience. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s day with someone special, cherishing moments with loved ones, or simply adding a touch of elegance to your home this year, My Little Rosebud has your floral needs covered, and to keep the experience for Simpson’s Rosebuds hassle-free, aftercare cards are given with every bouquet to provide instructions on how to care for the flowers, which includes trimming and water maintenance.

The preserved roses are available year-round and ship nationwide. Due to delicacy, other fresh flower bouquets are available for in-store purchase and pickup. My Little Rosebud serves the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia areas. Look out for limited-time collections in the future, including a special arrangement for Mother’s Day. Rosebuds can stay connected on Instagram and TikTok or by joining the My Little Rosebud mailing list.

RELATED CONTENT: NFL ‘Chooses Love’ And Will No Longer Display ‘End Racism’ Message

Kendrick Lamar, top earner, Forbes Drake
(Photo: Arturo Holmes/MG23/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)
by Daron Pressley

February 11, 2025

What Kendrick Lamar’s Performance Can Teach Entrepreneurs About Selling

Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance wasn’t just a show—it was a masterclass in commanding attention, creating an unforgettable experience, and standing out in a crowded marketplace. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a small business owner, or a startup founder, you can apply the same principles Kendrick used on stage to attract more customers, close more sales, and dominate your industry. Many business owners struggle with one key challenge: getting people to pay attention and take action.

No matter how great your product or service is, you’ll be ignored if you can’t grab attention, create a compelling experience, and differentiate yourself from competitors.

Kendrick’s Super Bowl performance showed us three critical lessons every entrepreneur can use to build a brand that sells effortlessly.

1. Hook Your Audience Immediately
From the very first moment of his performance, Kendrick commanded attention. Dressed in flared jeans and a custom red, white, and blue jacket, crouched atop a car under a spotlight, he didn’t waste time with a long intro—he went straight into the moment. Within seconds, the audience was locked in.
Business Takeaway:
Your first impression determines whether people will listen or tune out. If your sales pitch, social media content, or marketing materials don’t immediately hook your audience, you’ve already lost them.
Example: Instead of saying, “We offer high-quality skincare products.”
Try: “Tired of dry, dull skin? This moisturizer gives you a natural glow in just 7 days—without makeup.”
Why it works: Just like Kendrick’s opening, this type of messaging immediately grabs attention and makes people want to learn more.

2. Create an Experience, Not Just a Product
Kendrick’s transition into HUMBLE shifted the entire energy of the stadium. The beat hit hard, the crowd erupted, and the moment became something people would talk about for years. It wasn’t just a performance—it was an experience.
Business Takeaway:
Customers don’t buy products—they buy experiences, emotions, and transformations.
Example: Let’s say you own a luxury candle business. Instead of marketing your candles as:
“Buy our hand-poured candles. They smell amazing!”
Say this:
“Light this candle, close your eyes, and feel stress-free on a tropical beach. That’s the power of scent.”
Why it works: People aren’t just buying a candle; they’re buying relaxation, nostalgia, and a sensory experience—just like Kendrick’s fans didn’t just hear music, they felt the moment.

3. Own Your Uniqueness and Stand Out
Kendrick has never tried to be like every other rapper. His lyrical delivery, deep storytelling, and unique stage presence set him apart. He doesn’t follow trends—he creates them. That’s why his fan base is loyal and engaged.
Business Takeaway:
Trying to appeal to everyone makes you forgettable. The most successful brands embrace their uniqueness and attract the right audience.
Example: If you’re a fitness coach, don’t say:
“I help people lose weight.”
Say this instead:
“I help busy professionals over 40 burn fat, build muscle, and keep up with their kids—without spending hours in the gym.”
Why it works: Like Kendrick, this messaging is clear, specific, and speaks directly to a niche audience, making it more powerful and memorable.

Final Takeaway: Apply These Lessons to Your Business Today
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance wasn’t just about music but strategic storytelling, audience engagement, and standing out in a crowded space. The three principles you want to apply are
1. Hook your audience immediately – Your first few seconds determine everything.
2. Create an experience – Sell transformation, not just products.
3. Own your uniqueness – Be different, and your right audience will follow.

Which of these lessons are you applying in your business? Let’s talk in the comments!

Kendrick Lamar, Drake, lawsuit, Universal
(Photos from left: Arturo Holmes/MG23/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue; Prince Williams/Wireimage)
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 11, 2025

Statement From Drake’s Attorneys Released Before Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Performance

The attorneys claim that the label is "masquerading" claims of artistic freedom for profit over the expense of recording artists.

The attorneys for disgruntled Canadian recording artist Drake issued a statement on Sunday, Feb. 9, on the day of his rival Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime performance, chastising the label that both artists record for, Universal Music Group.

The legal team for the “For All the Dogs” rapper attacked the Universal Music Group before more than 126 million people witnessed Lamar showcasing his talent at the halftime show. The attorneys claim that the label is “masquerading” claims of artistic freedom for profit over the expense of recording artists. The New York Times’ Joe Coscarelli posted the statement on his X account before the start of the contest between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs.

“UMG is masquerading as a champion of artistic freedom by calling its actions merely ‘entertainment,’ but there is nothing entertaining about pedophilia or child abuse in the real world. We are confident that the evidence we will ultimately present at trial—including information we’ve already learned and continue to receive since filing the lawsuit—will expose UMG’s gross prioritization of its own corporate profits and executive bonuses over its exclusively signed artists’ well-being and the truth.”

The Canadian rapper filed a lawsuit accusing the label of artificially inflating the numbers and participating in a pay-per-click scheme to help promote Lamar’s song “Not Like Us” with iHeartMedia, the parent company of iHeartRadio, based in San Antonio. The suit also alleges that the two entities intentionally harmed Drake’s reputation.

Universal Music Group responded to the accusation, requesting that the lawsuit be dismissed based on protected free speech, according to the Texas Citizens Participation Act. The label is asking for the dismissal of the petition and the holding of all relevant evidence until the court makes a decision. It also asks that Drake pay the costs and attorney fees associated with the petition.

RELATED CONTENT: Drake Sues Universal Music Group, Claims Label Boosted Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ To Damage Career

Kendrick Lamar, Martine rose
Photo credit: U2 soul, Wikimedia Commons
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 11, 2025

Kendrick Lamar Rocked Custom Jacket By British-Jamaican Designer During Memorable Super Bowl Halftime Show

Lamar wore the red, white, and blue statement piece from Martine Rose.

Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show performance was one for the books and looks. The “Not Like Us” rapper rocked a leather jacket by famed British-Jamaican designer Martine Rose.

The red, white, and blue statement piece aligned with the show’s patriotic color scheme. While the designer is not American, she brought to life Lamar’s vision of showing what Black people and culture have done for this country.

The jacket infused the American flag colors and featured a word tied to Lamar and his latest album, GNX. Written on its front was the word “Gloria,” which is also the final track title of the LP. In the song featuring Sza, Lamar raps about a woman of the same name. However, according to Genius, the name is more of a metaphor for his rap glory.

“Gloria, which means “glory” in Spanish, becomes a personification of rap glory—his “pen” and the artistic journey it represents,” described the music information platform. “The relationship described symbolizes his intimate and often conflicted bond with his art, reflecting its power to uplift and consume him.”

He also paired Martine’s starring piece with other items that nodded to his lyrics. Lamar also wore a lower-case “a” chain from Tiffany & Co. Many deemed the chain could represent his media company, PG Lang, and its logo. However, others may have perceived it as a nod to his “a minor” lyric from “Not Like Us,” which alludes to Drake’s alleged dating choices.

The rest of his outfit included flare jeans from Celine and a backward hat. However, Lamar has worn pieces from Rose before, carrying this tradition all the way to one of his biggest stages.

The decision to feature the work of a modern Black designer aligned with the show’s theme; the performance also had a Black Uncle Sam, portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson, and crip-walking dancers to showcase a new form of national pride. With this, Lamar backed his initial notion that rap’s influence goes beyond the music.

“Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date. And I’ll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one,” expressed the Grammy-winning artist back when he was announced as the Super Bowl headliner, re-shared by People.

For those who want to rock something similar by the hot designer, Rose has numerous track jackets in stock to embody the brazen rapper.

RELATED CONTENT: Protester Who Performed With Kendrick Lamar Gets Lifetime Ban From NFL Stadiums

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