Lil Wayne, Lawsuit, Rob Sweeney, 20 million,
(Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for EA Sports Bowl at Bud Light Super Bowl Music Fest)
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 6, 2025

Don’t Expect Lil Wayne To Be At Super Bowl LIX

'Shout out to New Orleans, but I’ve been working on something very special.'

New Orleans resident Lil Wayne has informed his fans that he will not be making an appearance at the Super Bowl, taking place between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Feb. 9.

On an Instagram reel, the “Stuntin’ Like My Daddy” rapper left his fans a message announcing that he will not be attending the Super Bowl, although it’s taking place in New Orleans. He instead stated that he is chillin’ but will drop “something exciting” on Thursday, Feb. 6.

“Y’all know I’m not going to be there this week, which means I guess there’s a seat to fill,” said Wayne. “Shout out to New Orleans, but I’ve been working on something very special. I got something exciting coming for you Thursday, the 6th. Until then… I’m chillin’.”

Until Wayne tells us what he has cooking, TMZ reported that there is a strip club that would love to have him appear at their spot on Sunday, Feb. 9 since he will miss the Super Bowl.

The venue is The Pony and it is located in Lexington, Kentucky. Mike Dickinson, the club operator, spoke to the media outlet with the outside chance that Wayne will show up.

“Lil Wayne is NEW ORLEANS culture and music. His hits get the party started everywhere they’re played especially at Pony Lexington where our entertainers and guests love him.”

“We thought he should have been the halftime show so when he wasn’t we invited him!!!”

Dickinson has informed TMZ that they have reached out to Wayne’s management but, so far, has not heard anything from them.

Although Wayne expressed disappointment in Lamar being selected instead of him for the halftime performance at the Super Bowl, he did admit to speaking to the Compton rapper in December 2024. In a conversation with Skip Bayless, he told the sports analyst that he wished Lamar the best and told him to “kill” his performance.

‘I’ve spoken to him and I wished him all the best and told him he better kill it’ Wayne said.

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

February 6, 2025

American Heart Association Raises CPR Awareness Using Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’

Kendrick Lamar's rap beef can be used to maintain heart beats.

The American Heart Association is using songs by Kendrick Lamar and Beyoncé to help save lives.

The Grammy Awards aired on Feb. 2, with multiple Black artists taking home the night’s top honors. Kendrick Lamar was nominated for five awards for his hit single “Not Like Us.” The American Heart Association seized the opportunity to promote Hands-Only CPR techniques.

The organization took to its Instagram to seemingly shout out DJ Mustard, the producer of “Not Like Us,” and raise awareness.

“Mustard on the beat. And it could help you save a life with Hands-Only CPR. If you see a teen or adult collapse, call 911 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest to the rhythm of ‘Not Like Us.”

The organization followed up with another Grammy-winning song, “Texas Hold ‘Em.”

According to the organization, the song’s tempo is also perfect for Hands-Only CPR, at 110 beats per minute. After congratulating Beyoncé on her first Album of the Year Grammy, the caption urged readers to “crank up” “Texas Hold ‘Em” to save a life.

“Park your Lexus and throw your keys up, ’cause Beyoncé finally got that Album of the Year win. So crank up ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’ and remember that if you see a teen or adult collapse, Hands-Only CPR is your best chance to save their life.” 

The American Heart Association’s decision to pair lifesaving information with the historical Grammy wins of Black artists is timely.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for all American adults. Black people account for 22% of all deaths due to heart disease, strokes, high blood pressure, and heart attacks, according to the CDC. Only 10% of cardiac arrest patients survive if the event occurs outside a hospital. The chances of survival improve with effective CPR techniques.

Learn how to effectively administer Hands-only CPR here.

RELATED CONTENT: Damar Hamlin Sparks Introduction Of HEARTS Act To Expand Access To Heart Health Resources

Black Celebs Support Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala Raising $3M for Black-Owned Businesses, ‘We Are Nobody’s DEI Hire’
Photo by cottonbro studio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/filled-wine-cups-3403512/
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 6, 2025

Black Celebs Support Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala Raising $3M for Black-Owned Businesses, ‘We Are Nobody’s DEI Hire’

The fourth annual Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala raised money for Black-owned businesses while taking a few jabs at the current attacks against DEI initiatives.

Ciara, Kelly Rowland, Law Roach, and more Black elites were present for the fourth annual Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala, which successfully raised $3 million to support Black-owned businesses.

The gala took place on Saturday at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles, where Fifteen Perfect Pledge founder Aurora James stressed the importance of the gala amid Donald Trump’s fierce attacks against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts.

“This is exactly the time we need to show up and continue to speak out,” James said, as cited by WWD.

Following Trump’s return to the White House, where he’s blamed DEI initiatives for recent tragedies, including a deadly plane crash in Washington, D.C., and wildfires that devastated Los Angeles, James urged attendees to stay resilient. She encouraged continued support for initiatives like the Fifteen Percent Pledge, which she launched as a nonprofit in 2020 to advocate for major retailers and corporations to allocate 15 percent of their purchasing power to Black-owned businesses, historically underfunded and underrepresented in the marketplace.

“Each and every one of us, our stories, our pasts, our cultures and identities, are part of the fabric that makes America great. Dare I say more than great, we make it f–king spectacular,” James told the crowd of entertainment, fashion, and business elite.

“We are nobody’s DEI hire. This country in its best form is a product of each of our beautiful and individual contributions. Never, ever, ever let another person tell you otherwise. We belong, you belong, all of our children belong here.”

The stars came out to support the fourth annual gala, including Kim Kardashian, Teyana Taylor, Jesse Williams, Keke Palmer; artists Amy Sherald and Mickalene Thomas; CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year Rachel Scott of Diotima; beauty mogul Danessa Myricks; Tatcha founder Vicky Tsai; model Amber Valletta; Wayman Bannerman and Micah McDonald; celebrity colorist Kadi Lee, facialist Shani Darden, and many more.

Business mogul and Fifteen Percent Pledge chairwoman Emma Grede shared how well the initiative is doing despite corporations rolling back DEI efforts in response to conservative opposition.

“We’ve created the potential to shift $17 billion in revenue to Black-owned businesses,” Grede highlighted the growing collaborations with digital retailers and their efforts to help founders leverage the power of AI.

“This organization is so consequential, especially now when everything’s in question, and it shouldn’t be,” said creative director June Ambrose. “At the end of the day, these entrepreneurs just want their fair share of the real estate. And color, the fact we have to talk about it, means there is something wrong.”

The Pledge granted $200,000 to three businesses: luxury jeweler Bernard James, specialty tea brand Brooklyn Tea, and RedDrop, a period products company dedicated to normalizing puberty education.

“To be validated and seen by your own people is something,” RedDrop chief impact officer Dana Roberts said.

“We have sacrificed so much, but every day, we do this work to change generations of girls, especially in the world we live in today.”

“Thank god. We needed this,” Brooklyn Tea cofounder Jamila Wright added. “All these dresses are very pretty, and all this food is very cute, but being a Black business, we struggle. We struggle to get capital and loans.”

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Lifetime achievement, Busta Rhymes
2023 in Los Angeles. (Photo: Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 6, 2025

You May Now Call Him ‘Dr. Busta Rhymes’

The Brooklyn rapper received an honorary doctorate from Harvest Christian University in Dallas, Texas

Former Leaders of the New School group member Busta Rhymes received an honorary doctorate from Harvest Christian University in Dallas, Texas.

In a recent Instagram post, Busta showed off the recent achievement and told his almost five million followers that they may address him as Dr. Rhymes. He posted a video and photos from the ceremony where he accepted the degree at the university along with other graduates from Harvest Christian University. He received the recognition on Saturday, Feb. 1.

“I WILL NEVER STOP SAYING IT!! THE BLESSINGS DON’T STOP, SO WE WON’T EVER STOP, EVER, EVER, EVER!! DON’T LET NOBODY EVER STEAL YOUR JOY!!! IT’S OFFICIAL!! FROM THIS DAY FORWARD YOU WILL FOREVER KNOW ME AS
DR. RHYMES‼️‼️‼️ SUCH AN HONOR AND A BLESSING TO BE CHOSEN AND ACKNOWLEDGED IN THIS WAY!! BIG THANK YOU AND A HUGE SALUTE GOES TO @MyHCU.Education x @JayFredRobinson x @AmadeusPBM x @ItsDrCarlRobinson
“Dr. @donpoohmusic
📸 by @thebiggerpicturebuda“

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Busta Rhymes (@bustarhymes)

He received a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Leadership for Creative Enterprises.

Being awarded the honorary doctorate is the latest recognition for Dr. Rhymes, as he was also honored by the White House with the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award, which was posted on his Instagram account on Thursday, Jan. 30. The Brooklyn rapper was given the award “for his contributions to the community as an international Hip-Hop recording artist, music business entrepreneur, thespian, and humanitarian.”

“THE BLESSINGS DON’T STOP, SO WE WON’T EVER STOP!! IT’S JUST NO WAY TO EXPLAIN HOW AMAZING THE BLESSINGS CONTINUE TO BE!!! THANKS TO @MyHCU.Education AND MY BROTHER KING @amadeuspbm I HAVE ALSO BEEN SELECTED AS A RECIPIENT FOR FOR THE PRESTIGIOUS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD!!! IT JUST KEEPS GETTING MORE AND MORE INCREDIBLE EVERYDAY!! THANK YOU TO EVERYONE INVOLVED FOR MAKING THIS POSSIBLE!! THE MOST HIGH IS THE GREATEST!!!! 👑👑👑👑”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Busta Rhymes (@bustarhymes)

Dr. Rhymes is keeping himself busy as Snow Brains reported he will be headlining the High Peak Festival in Andermatt, Switzerland in April. Other acts performing in the festival include Eve, M.O.P., Xzibit, Timbaland, Morgan Heritage, and The Luniz, among a host of others.

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Former NFL Running Back, Doug Martin, Police Custody, Oakland
(Photo: D-Keine/Getty Images)
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 6, 2025

Georgia Police Discover Dead Passenger During Traffic Stop, Leaving Devastated Mom With Questions

21-year-old Malachi A. Mitchell was found dead in driver's car, no cause of death revealed

Georgia police officers found a 21-year-old male passenger dead in a vehicle during a traffic stop and, after questioning the driver, released him without arrest. Now, the deceased man’s mother is questioning why the driver was allowed to leave.

According to Fox 5 Atlanta, police officers conducting a routine traffic stop discovered Malachi A. Mitchell dead in the vehicle of a driver who was not identified. His mother, Kenya Mitchell, says she needs answers after the driver was released after being questioned.

The incident occurred on Jan. 29, as deputies from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office found Malachi deceased. The officers contacted the Criminal Investigations Division and Crime Scene Unit to pick up the driver. The driver was taken to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, where authorities stated that he fully cooperated with the investigators. He was released after they questioned him, pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

Kenya said the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office didn’t notify her, and she only found out her son was dead because she and Malachi’s girlfriend tracked his location from his phone. When they went to the area looking for him, that’s when she discovered that he was dead after seeing a coroner’s van and several police vehicles at the scene.

She believes he went out to conduct a legal gun sale with the driver.

When she discovered that they allowed the driver to be released, she questioned why he was allowed to go home after they found her son’s dead body in the car.

“For them to protect his family and him is beyond my understanding,” said Mitchell. “So, what happened? Where is the man who shot my son?”

Kenya also states that they have not told her anything, and she is confused about why. She said she received no compassion or answers.

“[No] compassion, any answers, not even my son’s body,” said Mitchell.

Authorities have not released Malachi’s cause of death.

The investigation is active. Once completed, the results will be sent to the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office for review.

RELATED CONTENT: Inmate Robert Brooks’ Death Linked To Brutal Beating At Marcy Correctional Facility, Autopsy Suggests

Jimmy Butler, Golden State
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 6, 2025

Jimmy Butler Traded To Golden State Warriors

The guard publicly asked the Miami Heat to trade him “wherever that may be" and they honored his wish

In January, Jimmy Butler publicly asked the Miami Heat to trade him, “wherever that may be,” to another team. The franchise honored his wishes by sending him to the Golden State Warriors.

According to ESPN, Butler is now a member of the Warriors after the Heat traded him for Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, and a top-10 protected first-round draft pick for 2025. To complete the deal, the Warriors also sent Dennis Schroder to the Utah Jazz, and in return, the Jazz sent P.J. Tucker back to the Heat (Tucker was a member of the Heat in 2021-22). The Warriors also sent Lindy Waters III to the Detroit Pistons, and the Heat shipped Josh Richardson off to the Pistons.

The deal occurred after Kevin Durant reportedly nixed a trade to return to the Warriors. Butler would have been traded to the Phoenix Suns in a multi-team transaction in that proposed move.

As part of the trade, Butler will decline a $52 million player option with the Heat and purportedly sign a new two-year, $121 million deal with the Warriors.

Butler’s new teammate, sharpshooter Stephen Curry, said he communicated with Butler during halftime of the Warriors-Jazz game.

“We know who Jimmy is. Being in two Finals, he’s a winner,” Curry said. “I understand there’s a lot of drama, and who knows what the story is. We expect a motivated, committed Jimmy ready to impact our team for the better.”

The Warriors have lost a step in recent years, as well as losing Klay Thompson (in free agency last year, Thompson joined the Dallas Mavericks), but with this latest move, Butler makes the team better on paper.

The 35-year-old guard has led the Heat to the playoffs for five years, including two trips to the NBA Finals. He is averaging 18 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists this season. He is also shooting a career-high 55.3% from the field.

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HUD,Scott Turner
The White House from Washington, DC, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
by Sharelle B. McNair

February 6, 2025

Senate Confirms Scott Turner’s Black Job Of Leading Housing and Urban Development 

Let's see what Secretary Turner can do!

The Senate confirmed former NFL player Scott Turner on Feb. 5 with a 55-44 vote as the new secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), NPR reported. 

After nine years as a professional football player and twice as a Texas State Representative, Turner was tapped to promote investment opportunities in distressed neighborhoods during President Donald Trump’s first term. His latest opportunity in Washington, D.C., will focus on HUD, which, during his hearing, he claimed is “failing at its most basic mission.” He cited record-high homelessness and a shortage of affordable housing that leaves everyday Americans struggling. 

Turner’s sentiments differ from those of his tenure leading the people of Texas. As a lawmaker, Turner, the chief visionary officer of multifamily housing developer JPI, opposed the expansion of affordable rental housing and supported a bill permitting landlords to refuse housing to persons on federal housing assistance. 

After labeling HUD as a failure, Turner failed to provide specifics to the Senate on plans to turn things around under his leadership. Still, he did say he would review programming while declining Democratic senators’ idea for more federal funding. Turner’s thought process came out after stating he feels HUD needs to streamline programs, with the Section 8 housing voucher program being a specific target. He also mentioned regulations being the reason behind construction slowdowns and adding to housing costs. 

He wants to work with state leadership to combat the issue. Turner’s confirmation makes him the 12th of Trump appointees permitted to lead federal departments and the only Black cabinet nominee and member of the Trump-Vance administration. 

Democratic senators John Fetterman (Pa.) and Peter Welch (Vt.) were the only two who voted in support alongside every Republican lawmaker, according to The Hill. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) backed Turner’s sentiments, stating in a floor speech that he feels the former cornerback “has the grit, the determination, and passion to get it done.” “This is an important role. Our country is facing a housing crisis affecting big cities, rural areas, tribal lands — literally every part of our country,” Thune said. 

“Higher construction costs and burdensome regulations have made homebuilding challenging. And what homes are on the market are too pricey for many Americans.” 

In a joint statement, the National Apartment Association and the National Multifamily Housing Council congratulated the secretary, saying he is the “right leader.” “Secretary Turner’s expansive background in rental housing, community development and economic revitalization makes him the right leader for HUD at the right time,” the statement read.

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closed, restaurant
photo credits: pexels
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 6, 2025

LA’s Black-Owned Post & Beam In Baldwin Hills Will Close For Good

LA's longstanding Black-owned restaurant Post & Beam is closing for good after 13 years in business.

The Black-owned full-service restaurant Post & Beam in the Baldwin Hills community of Los Angeles, California, will close its doors for good later this month.

Post & Beam is closing down on February 27 to make way for new apartments, retail, restaurants, and a grocery store at the corner of Martin Luther King and Crenshaw Boulevards. The staple restaurant, which opened in 2012, will now operate on a limited schedule until its closure, offering dinner and weekend brunch and hosting community events like the Black Pot Supper Club, a ticketed buffet, social dating nights, and a special Valentine’s Day menu.

Though it’s a bittersweet moment to close the restaurant, the owners made it clear that the decision was mutual and they were not forced out.

“Post & Beam wasn’t put out of business,” Chef and co-owner John Cleveland told LA Eater. “The construction was long planned, and we were always kept in the loop. We’ll still have a presence in the neighborhood as it evolves.”

The community played a pivotal role in bringing Post & Beam to life. Cleveland and his wife Roni took over the restaurant after being mentored by the original owner, Brad Johnson, and chef Govind Armstrong,, who opened the full-service eatery in 2012. Situated in Baldwin Hills, a historically Black neighborhood, the Clevelands took over ownership in 2019 and created a diverse menu that included vegan crab cakes made from hearts of palm, wood-fired pizza, and roasted organic chicken. The side dishes paid homage to soul food classics, offering greens, black-eyed peas, macaroni and cheese, and some of the city’s finest brunch biscuits.

After Harridge Development Group purchased the property, the 2022 James Beard Awards semi-finalist for Outstanding Restaurant will shift to a catering and delivery-only model during construction. The Clevelands have plans to open a new venture in collaboration with Armstrong in the near future.

“Owning Post & Beam has been a dream come true for me,” Cleveland said. “I came specifically to work under Armstrong and Johnson. Roni is from here. I wanted this neighborhood to be the foundation of my customer base and root myself in Baldwin Hills, and we’re grateful for their support.”

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Ts Madison, fear, trans, transgender, woman
Ts Madison at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards held at Prudential Center on September 12, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)
by Stacy Jackson

February 6, 2025

Ts Madison Starter House Offers Safe Space For Black Trans Women

Residents of the Ts Madison Starter House have access to psychological support, health and wellness care, and business workshops.

Grammy-winning artist Ts Madison is the blueprint for the Ts Madison Starter House, a first-of-its-kind program centered on fostering and investing in Black trans women in the South.

In partnership with award-winning activist Dominique Morgan, the initiative supports Black trans women in Atlanta as they navigate the transition from survival sex work. “We want to make sure that the girls are protected,” Madison said on a Jan. 30 episode of The Tamron Hall Show.

“What I built in the world, it’s not just for me. It’s for everybody.”

Madison and Morgan announced the Ts Madison Starter House on May 31, 2024, during the NAESM conference. The mission of the initiative addresses statistics that highlight the high rates of poverty, discrimination, and violence Black trans women in the South face. According to The Georgia Department of Public Health’s “Survey of Transgender Women in Metro Atlanta, 2019-2020,” Black trans women faced the heaviest HIV burden. Respondents reported patterns of abuse, difficulty finding work, and being denied housing and healthcare.

Madison, who also transitioned from survival sex work, told Forbes BLK, “When I first came up with the idea to donate my first house to charity, I thought about how I moved to Atlanta homeless, broke, poor, sick from silicone poisoning, and with no sense of direction or place to go. One of my trans sisters took me in and became like a second mother to me. She motivated me and gave me the tools to start over and make it on my own.”

The Ts Madison Starter House is a haven for Black trans women and offers support as these women heal and strive to fulfill their aspirations and become innovative leaders. The initiative empowers Black queer and trans liberation and celebrates the leadership of Black trans women through its holistic approach. In partnership with NAESM, the program provides residents of the Starter House with psychological support, health and wellness care, and workshops centered on business plan development and project management. Program participants are considered “stakeholders” to acknowledge their role in the Black queer and trans liberation movement.

“Our goal is to create a lasting impact that extends beyond immediate relief and fosters long-term empowerment and socio-economic growth within the Black queer community,” said Morgan, who is the director of The Fund for Trans Generations at Borealis Philanthropy.

In August 2024, Madison gave Instagram followers a tour of her first home, which she repurposed to host the program’s residents.

Primary providers and partners of the Ts Madison Starter House include NAESM, Inc., Borealis Philanthropy, The Fund for Trans Generations, and the Flower Crown Project. The program is also supported by Gilead Sciences, Inc. Supporters can donate to the program or volunteer their time as mentors, healthcare providers, or educators.

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