Whether you love her or not, Caresha (Brownlee), better known as Yung Miami, owns a persona that is entirely her own.

I love how she’s always her authentic self and what you see is what you get. In a world of curated celebrity images she isn’t trying to be anyone else. The self-proclaimed “Opa-locka’s finest” rapper has never shied away from where she comes from.

Subscribe now

The bigger picture is how she balances motherhood and a solo career and still finds time to level up in a male dominated industry.

Her girlfriend aura pairs well with her fashion, charisma, and relentless grindset. She’s the fun friend you want to hang with at the party and everywhere else too. Her glamorous modern-day pin-up girl, hyper-feminine style makes her stand out as one of the coldest dressed females in the game.

Over the years the criticism has gotten louder online when it comes to her rapping. Some call it mediocre and cringe while others have pointed out that she has come a long way since “Fu** Dat N*a” and “Act Up.” Her past connection to the music mogul Diddy and the public drama around the City Girls split have kept her in the headlines.

Through all of it she clearly knows how to separate opinion from fact. The message to the world stays simple:

For a woman with almost a decade in the rap game who turned her rap career into a multimillion-dollar media and lifestyle empire she is not slowing down.

With “Spend Dat,” the lead single from her new solo studio album Watch Dis, that hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Rap Airplay and Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay charts, a talk show and podcast, Caresha Please, that has generated over $1 million in sales in a single month, a card game, Resha Roulette, that hit No. 1 on Amazon in the Drinking Games category, lucrative partnerships with Savage X Fenty and Fashion Nova and acting on her resume, she has proven time and again she is the one to be counted in.

Leave a comment

All images unless stated credit to @yungmiami305 -IG/ Reproduction

It’s still Libra season, and just over a week after celebrating her 34th birthday with an intimate family gathering in the Dominican Republic, rapper Cardi B gave fans a long-awaited NPR Tiny Desk Concert today at 12:00 PM ET (9:00 AM PT).

A Tiny Desk appearance from the Bronx superstar has felt overdue for years. Known for commanding arenas and festival stages, Cardi wore a vintage Mugler star embellished blazer paired sleek black leather leggings bringing the energy fans expected. She delivered a performance packed with humor, charisma, and some of the biggest records of her career in 18 minutes.

Cardi started with ‘Hello,’ a Billboard 200 #1 and infectious anthem from her sophomore studio album Am I the Drama? while sticking to her signature off-the-cuff personality.

From “Bodak Yellow”, reminding everyone why she became a household name, to “I Like It” she turned the NPR office into a “Cardi Party”, ending the set with hugs and heartfelt thanks.

Share

The performance arrives after Cardi was forced to cancel her appearance at Jamaica’s BZR WKND Festival due to unresolved contractual and logistical issues. If fans were disappointed by that setback, her Tiny Desk debut made up for it in a major way. The set felt like an invitation into Cardi’s world.

Set List
“Hello”
“ErrTime”
“Man of Your Word”
“Be Careful”
“Up”
“AH HA”
“Bodak Yellow”
“I Like It”

Leave a comment

Atlanta defeated the New York Liberty 85-83 to complete a semifinal sweep and advance to the WNBA Finals, where they’ll face the Golden State Valkyries in a best-of-seven championship series starting October 17. 

This Finals appearance marks the franchise’s return to the championship stage since 2013.

While the Valkyries’ home games are locked in for San Francisco’s Chase Center, official locations for Atlanta’s home games are still listed as TBD on Ticketmaster.

Fans on Threads have shared emails from the organization saying details will be announced once everything is finalized. That hasn’t stopped supporters from stalking ticketing sites, with some speculating the delay could be tied to ongoing venue discussions. Others have even joked that events scheduled during potential Dream home game dates should be moved to make room for Atlanta’s hottest team. 

The front office recently announced a multi-year agreement to play all home games at State Farm Arena beginning next season, making the arena the franchise’s permanent home.

Subscribe now

The Finals could come down to defense, with Atlanta and Golden State entering the matchup as two of the league’s top defensive teams. 

Atlanta will be hoping to have leading scorer Allisha Gray healthy and ready to do what she does best. Her ability to create her own shot and score at all three levels gives the Dream another offensive weapon when they’re at full strength. 

Angel Reese, who recently earned Defensive Player of the Year recognition, brings relentless energy, elite rebounding, and a physical presence in the paint that can completely shift momentum. Rhyne Howard remains one of Atlanta’s most versatile stars, capable of taking over offensively while defending some of the league’s toughest assignments. At point guard, Jordin Canada sets the pace, creates opportunities for teammates, and applies constant pressure on opposing ball handlers. 

DeWanna Bonner continues to be a major asset with her veteran leadership, playoff experience, and ability to deliver in key moments. Combined with contributions throughout the roster, the Dream have shown they can win in a variety of ways and that every player has a role in the team’s success. 

Expect a physical, hard-fought series as two of the league’s best defensive teams battle it out for the championship. 

I’ll be watching the Finals to see who takes home the championship but regardless of who wins I couldn’t be prouder that these women are finally getting the recognition they deserve. It’s a new era for women’s basketball and it’s truly only up from here. 

The carpet is rolling out at Peacock Theater in Los Angeles right now, and television’s biggest night, the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards.the main show kicks off at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT But before that happens… let’s talk about who we’re really watching for tonight.Because some of these nominees? They’re not just hoping to win. They’re hoping to make history.

Colman Domingo. Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, for Four Seasons. A win makes him the first Afro-Latino actor to ever take this category. And only the second Black actor to win it since 1979.

Zendaya is up for Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Euphoria. She was already the youngest winner this category has ever seen. Tonight, at thirty, she could become the first Black actress to win it three times, and the youngest actress ever to reach three wins here.

Abbott Elementary in the building. Janelle James and Quinta Brunson bringing the energy to the Emmys carpet tonight.

Quinta Brunson is up for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Abbott Elementary. She already made history once, becoming the first Black actress to win this category since 1981. Tonight, she could be the first to win it twice.

Tyler James Williams is nominated in that same category for Abbott Elementary. If he takes it, it’s the same milestone. he is the only the second Black actor to win this award in forty seven years.

RuPaul is nominated for Outstanding Reality Competition Program as producer of RuPaul’s Drag Race. He’s already the Black artist with the most Emmys ever, with fourteen wins. One more tonight pushes Drag Race itself past thirty wins, making it the most awarded reality series in Emmy history.

Salli Richardson Whitfield picked up two nominations this year for Directing in a Drama Series, for Task and The Gilded Age. She’s already the first Black woman ever nominated in this category. Tonight, she could be the first to win it.

While the carpet rolls on, we’re posting it live across Instagram, Threads, and X. Stay tuned for red carpet looks, reactions, and tonight’s winners.

Let’s go Black Excellence.

The post Rooting For Everybody BLACK: Emmy Night Is Here first appeared on FLUENT IN BLK.

There are everyday athletes, elite competitors, and then there are legends whose very names redefine their sport. That distinction held true today (August 12) when longtime point guard Russell Westbrook announced his departure from the NBA after 18 seasons.

The move marks a bittersweet end to an unforgettable career.

A first-ballot Hall of Famer. A former MVP. A father. A 9-time All-Star. The triple-double King. A USA Olympic Gold Medalist. Founder of the Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation.

He announced it on his Instagram, where he shared a tribute retirement video narrated by Michael B. Jordan.

Westbrook was selected fourth overall in the 2008 NBA draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, just weeks before the franchise relocated to become the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Russell’s Legacy: A Career of Impact

Known as an electrifying player on the court, he brought versatile swiftness paired with dominant power and the ability to stand toe-to-toe with the era’s greats.

His fashion sense was on another level. His personality won the hearts of many who respected the game and appreciated his impact.

After playing with the Oklahoma City Thunder for the first 11 years of his career, Westbrook proved he still had plenty left. This past season, he averaged 15.2 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.4 rebounds in 64 games with Sacramento.

With the recent heightened news of LeBron James going to the Philadelphia 76ers, Westbrook’s next move loomed in the background. The basketball world wondered where the accomplished free agent would go and where he would contribute his veteran leadership next.

The World Reacts to Westbrook’s Retirement

The announcement immediately drew reactions from across the basketball world, including Washington Wizards star Trae Young and other players.

It hit close to home too. When my 20-year-old son heard the news, he weighed in:

“It’s kind of crazy because I grew up watching him in his prime on OKC, and I was always a fan of his. So seeing him announce his retirement today is surreal. The players that I grew up watching in their prime are retiring in a domino effect or are already retired.”

Whatever the full story turns out to be, the respect for what Westbrook did over 18 years is not in question. Come to love him or not, nobody who watched him play walked away unmoved.

Thank you for your dedication and hard work, Russ. Best wishes on your future endeavors.

The post Russell Westbrook Retires After 18 NBA Seasons first appeared on FLUENT IN BLK.

Jalen Brunson announces November 24 release date for Jalen Plays It All, his upcoming children’s book aimed at inspiring young readers to embrace sports, hard work, and perseverance.

The New York Knicks star shared the news on his Instagram account on Aug. 5, revealing that the 40-page hardcover book will now arrive earlier than previously planned. Jalen Plays It All is aimed at children ages 4 to 8 and is available for preorder now wherever books are sold.

As a kid, Jalen Brunson loved competition and tried every sport he could, from swimming and football to baseball and tennis. Those experiences helped shape the habits, discipline, character, and work ethic that eventually helped him reach the top of the basketball world.

Jalen Plays It All, written by Jalen Brunson and illustrated by Neely Daggett

The book also delivers an important message for parents and young athletes. At a time when many children feel pressure to specialize in a single sport at an early age, Brunson’s story highlights the value of trying different activities, learning new skills, and enjoying the journey of sports.

A lot of people have asked me over the years what drives my work ethic. The truth is that ever since I’ve been a little kid, I’ve loved to compete and have been willing to try anything.

The release comes during an unforgettable stretch for the undisputed King of New York. Brunson is still riding the momentum of helping lead New York to its first NBA championship in 53 years, cementing his place as one of the city’s most beloved athletes.

Now, he’s hoping to inspire the next generation through a different platform.

Brunson hopes the book will speak to kids who may not see themselves as the biggest or most naturally gifted player in the room.

“I’ve been thinking a lot about how I can show kids who might not be the tallest or the fastest, that they, too, have greatness in them,” Brunson said. “And that they should always keep trying.”

Images courtesy of Jalen Brunson

The post Jalen Brunson Announces Nov. 24 Release Date for Jalen Plays It All first appeared on FLUENT IN BLK.

Multi-platinum R&B singer Jacquees stepped out in Atlanta on Wednesday night (Aug. 5) for a Rolling Out Cover Conversations celebration hosted by influencer Brooke Ellison, where he also performed a couple of selections from his fifth studio album, MOOD 2.

The album marks a decade-long follow-up to his original 2016 Mood mixtape. The self-proclaimed “King of R&B” had his mic on, working the stage and turning out the crowd, surrounded by supporters, media, and his FYB family.

The event also spotlighted artists on his independent label, like Tyler Watts, an R&B star from Miami who became the label’s first signee and now features on “Cut Em Off.”

Jacquees has never had trouble giving his Day Ones exactly what they came for. He’s delivered that with 4275 and the breakout success of “B.E.D.,” double-platinum collaborations like “At the Club” with DeJ Loaf, and the viral Quemixes that still hit to this day.

The King of r&b

This time around, he’s being intentional about putting himself in the rooms and conversations where major industry awards take place.

Some would debate, how is he “King” of anything without a Grammy, a BET Award, or another major industry trophy to back it up? But Jacquees has consistently delivered quality R&B music and remains one of the genre’s most consistent voices of his generation. At minimum, the industry should be nominating him more.

Earlier this year, R&B legend Keith Sweat made a similar point about industry recognition. Sweat helped shape the sound of R&B for more than four decades as an artist and songwriter, yet he has never won a BET Award or a Grammy. He said the snub no longer frustrates him, and he doesn’t seek validation from award shows. These days, he measures success through sold-out tours, career longevity, and the fans who’ve been riding with him since the beginning.

Can’t say we blame him. The Decatur native is part of the culture and has contributed his body of art to this genre for over a decade. It’s about time he gets the recognition he deserves.

What’s next…

Jacquees and K Camp are set to headline the US OVER DEM tour, which kicks off Aug. 17 in Phoenix and hits several major cities like Houston, New Orleans, and Birmingham before wrapping Sept. 4 in Atlanta. Fans can expect a mix of the new album and older jams. Likely a VIBE-heavy, intimate, high-energy blend of R&B and hip hop.

MOOD 2 is out now and available across all major digital streaming and download platforms.

article Cover photo (Photo Credit: TheFlyBlkGrl | Brittany J)

Write For Us — We’re Accepting Contributing Writers

Fluent in BLK is looking for contributing writers across Travel, celebrity news, entertainment, health and wellness, love and relationships, and culture. This is a paid opportunity.

The post R&B Singer Jacquees Performs New Album MOOD 2 at Exclusive Rolling Out Cover Celebration in Atlanta first appeared on FLUENT IN BLK.

It’s official!

Marvel just confirmed that ‘Black Panther III’ will hit theaters on Dec. 15, 2028, at Marvel’s Comic-Con in San Diego on Saturday, July 25.

Ryan Coogler will direct the threequel, bringing Letitia Wright back as Shuri and Winston Duke as M’Baku.

Wright teased a playful dynamic between Shuri and Jonsson’s T’Challa II, hinting that Shuri will guide him as he steps into the Black Panther role. “I’m going to have a really, really good time, a lot of fun,” she said. She also pointed to how Shuri’s growth has been shaped by her relationships with Ramonda and T’Challa, reflecting a generational shift that honors Wakanda’s legacy while pushing its story forward.

Coogler brought out David Jonsson at Marvel’s Comic-Con 2026 panel, confirming him as T’Challa’s son in the third chapter of Black Panther. The 32-year-old, born in London, has emerged as one of the most exciting young performers in the UK entertainment industry.

The actor expressed his gratitude for joining the Marvel family.

“Thank you to this wonderful family that I have the honor, privilege, and blessing of joining,” Jonsson said. He added, “I don’t want to say too much because I want to let the screen do the talking, but believe me, the honour is entirely mine.”

– David Jonsson

Coogler backed Johnson: “He’s the guy, he’s the guy, I felt it. I felt it in my soul. He’s a good man, and he is the next Black Panther.”

Jonsson stepping in as the adult son of T’Challa has sparked divided reactions online, with many fans embracing the casting while others remain disappointed that Marvel chose not to recast Chadwick Boseman’s original character.

The first two Black Panther films grossed a combined $2.2 billion globally, cementing the franchise as one of Marvel’s biggest.

Following Boseman’s untimely passing in August 2020, this announcement marks a significant moment for the franchise as it continues to evolve.

Michael B. Jordan expressed his excitement for the new Black Panther while on the red carpet for ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day.’ Us fans want to know, will he have a cameo in Part 3, because I’m pretty sure he’s gonna show up? What’s a Ryan Coogler film without MBJ in it?

And these days it’s reported that Jordan’s net worth in 2026 sits at $50 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. He’s earned that mainly through his acting career, though he’s also worked as a model, executive producer, and director.

What do y’all think? Are you here for Jonsson as the new Black Panther, or were you hoping for a different direction? Drop your thoughts below.

The post Black Panther III Confirmed: New Cast, Returning Faces, and What’s Next for Wakanda first appeared on FLUENT IN BLK.

This comes as a shock to many.

Brittney Griner has filed for divorce from her wife, Cherelle Griner, in Fulton County, according to court records first reported by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The filing states that the marriage is “irretrievably broken” and lists July 24 as the date of separation.

Brittney Griner and Cherelle Griner met while they were both students at Baylor University. They have been married since 2019 and welcomed their first child, a son named Bash, in 2024. What seemed like the perfect queer couple, one that fans followed through some of the hardest years imaginable, came out the other side stronger.

Cherelle is a holistic attorney and community advocate who campaigned publicly for Brittney’s release during her 2022 imprisonment in Russia after cannabis oil cartridges were found in her luggage at a Moscow airport. Griner was sentenced to nine years before being freed in a prisoner exchange that December. During that period Cherelle spoke about their bond in an interview, describing her wife as “my person.”

The world watched.

A Black woman supporting her significant other in the depths of pain, distraught, but still having faith and strength was inspiring to witness.

Brittney posted a birthday tribute to her spouse Cherelle on July 1, wishing her a happy birthday, calling her the best mother and spouse, and expressing gratitude for every day and year together.

With so much public affection online and what looked like marital bliss, this one truly caught many off guard, as they were seen as a couple that had already been through the worst and come out unbreakable.

Griner is requesting joint legal and physical custody of their son, along with an equal split of marital assets. She also wants to keep any property she owned before the marriage or received through inheritance.

Neither has commented publicly, and their attorneys have not responded to requests for comment.

The 35-year-old center remains sidelined with a left knee injury, and the Connecticut Sun have not set a return date.

We wish Brittney and Cherelle all the best as they work through this chapter of their marriage.

Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese is proving she sells out everywhere. Her official Barbie doll, the ultimate FOMO toy, sold out at major retailers just days after its debut during WNBA All-Star Weekend on July 24. A restock date has not been confirmed yet.

At this point, we’ll just call it the Angel Reese Effect. After she was traded from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream this past April, her new Dream jersey sold out at the team store the same day it went on sale.

Reese is redefining what cultural influence looks like for female athletes who break barriers in fashion and branding. Her latest collaboration, Barbie x Reese, brings a sharp blend of style and star power.

There is currently no official restock date announced. Angel Reese celebrates her glamour‑girl energy with an official Angel Reese Barbie Signature doll, paired with a matching pink “Barbie” colorway of the Reebok x Barbie: Angel Reese basketball shoe, a pink jersey, and a matching leg sleeve.

She thanked her supporters online after her new signature Mattel Barbie doll sold out on Amazon and Mattel.

BARBIE SOLD OUT ON AMAZON & MATTEL

Barbie x Angel Reese: The Bayou Barbie Moment

Mattel honors her broader cultural footprint and shows young girls they can imagine what is possible. Her confidence and glam persona mirror Barbie’s message that women can achieve limitless goals. She stays determined to win, plays the long game smart, and understands that refusing to fit into a traditional sports box lets her athletic passion grow into a powerful enterprise.

In a press statement, the 2x WNBA All-Star spoke about how much this collection means to her:

“Having my own Barbie doll is a true dream come true for me.” She added, “I’ve never let anyone else define what’s possible for me, and every challenge I’ve faced has only made me stronger. I hope this doll reminds girls to be unapologetically themselves, embrace every part of who they are, and go after their dreams with confidence.” – Angel Reese

The doll comes with a miniature pink basketball and features Barbie’s “Made to Move” tall body type, built for athletic posing. She’s fully glammed with pink manicured nails and lashes, capturing the signature “Bayou Barbie” aesthetic (a moniker earned at LSU from a fan). It’s a big moment for Reese, who moves just as easily between the court, the runway, and the streets.

The Bayou Barbie blueprint of high-fashion and multi-industry crossovers is driving women’s sports into the mainstream. This branding makes it clear that being pretty and playing hard go hand in hand, and the preeminence of her energy on the court keeps resonating in a way that will keep her landing meaningful, lucrative deals just like the Reebok partnership and this Barbie collaboration.

What’s Next: Atlanta Dream Barbie Game Day

The momentum keeps going on Aug 3, with the Atlanta Dream’s Barbie Game Day during the game against the Las Vegas Aces at State Farm Arena in Atlanta at 7:00 PM.

The post Angel Reese’s Barbie Doll Sells Out in Days first appeared on FLUENT IN BLK.

Michael Olise, the Bayern Munich and French national team winger, has turned down every sportswear brand deal that has come his way. Not because each brand puts him off, but because he prefers the freedom to mix and match his gear every matchday.

Since his days as a young player at Reading, he has been known to color-code his cleats. He maintained this routine at Crystal Palace and Bayern Munich, bringing that same energy to the FIFA World Cup 2026

. If he is wearing a blue France home kit, you can trust he is wearing blue cleats. If he is wearing Bayern Munich’s home kit, a matching red boot goes onto his feet.

Olise has reportedly declined brand deals from top sports brands like Nike, Adidas, and New Balance. A source recently confirmed to L’équipe that he simply isn’t interested: “He doesn’t have one; it doesn’t interest him at all.” While most well-known athletes are permanently sponsored by popular sportswear brands, Lionel Messi is signed with Adidas, Kylian Mbappé is signed with Nike, Coco Gauff is signed with New Balance, and other sports figures are too. Although he is regularly seen wearing Nike Hypervenoms from 2016 to 2018, he has no affiliation with Nike. He simply loves the cleats and constantly wears them in different custom-made colors, like a regular sneakerhead.

With sportswear sponsorships comes the expectation that athletes wear only the cleats provided by them. Despite the common benefits of monetary value and marketing opportunity for both the brand and the athlete, it removes the choice of color or model. At the FIFA World Cup 2026

, when Nike, Adidas, Puma, and New Balance all released pink cleats, sponsored athletes were expected to wear them regardless of preference. This is the constraint Olise avoids.

According to ITKSpace, he recently rejected detailed proposals from high-profile social media and PR agencies despite their thorough blueprints. The proposal projected a pathway for him to gain over 15 million followers and would also see his commercial value rise to the likes of Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland. He rejected it to keep his profile entirely under his control, without external influence.

While he avoids the media buzz, his actions stem from his natural personality. Beyond the pitch, he is known to be shy and calm, with fans fondly calling him “Mr. Non-chalant” because of his public persona. Born in a multicultural home in England to a British-Nigerian father and a Franco-Algerian mother, he seems content with his low-key lifestyle.

From Olise’s standpoint, having recently rejected a PR overhaul, he doesn’t seem likely to curate his commercial identity to fit the trend. This raises the question of what brands could be missing out on by not exclusively sponsoring Olise: an exclusive marketing funnel from him or the risk of not getting a star player under their wing?

The future of personal branding in sports could see more athletes follow the same path, choosing their own personal style over strict control. This would lead brands to drop strict exclusivity in favor of more collaboration-style sponsorships, with athletes taking a more active role in the style aspect. That transition could redefine the multi-million-dollar brand machine.

___________________________________________________________________________

Damilola is an editorial writer and culture analyst who’s always chasing the story behind the story, the trends, archives, and details that shape how we live across culture, sports, digital media, and beauty. She’s the founder and editor of Noa, a Substack publication built on curiosity and research-backed commentary, and writes sports and culture features for Athlete Vanity. When she’s not deep in a research rabbit hole, she’s probably still asking one more question.

Click here to follow her on LinkedIn!

The post How Michael Olise Is Defying Football’s Multi-Million-Dollar Brand Machine first appeared on FLUENT IN BLK.

Regina Hall plays Dru-Ann Jones, Hollis Shaw’s best friend and college roommate at UNC Chapel Hill. Dru-Ann is a successful sports agent with an affluent, ambitious, alpha, and aggressive personality, carrying the weight of a career crisis. As she steps back into a friendship, she begins to release the obstinacy she has projected onto her friend group and confronts patterns from her own past.

Jennifer Garner leads as Hollis, a food influencer whose life changes after the sudden loss of her husband. In an effort to move forward, she brings together four women from different points in her life for a weekend at her childhood home on Nantucket, a quiet island 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, known for its pristine shoreline and coastal escape.

What unfolds is a collision of past and present, where connection feels familiar yet strained, and where what is left unsaid begins to surface in quiet ways.

The series stays close to how friendships actually function. There is openness, but not always truth. Each woman arrives with something private, shaped by choices, regrets, and the versions of themselves they present to others. Conversations circle what matters without always naming it. Silence carries as much weight as what is spoken. The tension builds in those in-between moments, where understanding is felt more than it is explained.

The Five Star Weekend premiered July 9th on @peacock.

Regina continues to show us dynamic characters across humor, horror, drama, romance, and the truth is we love anything that has her name attached to it.

The post Regina Hall Stars in Peacock’s New Summer Binge, The Five Star Weekend first appeared on FLUENT IN BLK.

So So Def Recordings was founded in 1993 and recognized as a pioneering Atlanta label responsible for jump-starting the careers of Bow Wow, Xscape, Da Brat, Bone Crusher, and 3LW. Dupri has also produced hit records for Mariah Carey, Usher, Ludacris, TLC, and Janet Jackson.

Dupri and his companies allege Sony engaged in “willful deceitful actions,” and his legal team came with the receipts.

Jermaine Dupri lawsuit against Sony Music Entertainment court filing

In a conversation with Earn Your Leisure, JD talks about carrying Atlanta’s energy long before the city got its recognition and what it really meant to build So So Def from the ground up.

Jermaine Dupri’s Claims Against Sony Music

Before the numbers, understand how the money moves. A major label offers an artist somewhere between 10 and 15 royalty points off the standard retail list price of a record. Those points do not belong to the artist alone. Songwriters, managers, and producers take their cut from the same pool, which can leave the artist with five to seven. Look at the same money from the company’s side and the picture sharpens. Roughly 60% of royalty profits go straight to the label, and another 25% to 30% goes to distribution, which the major typically owns in-house. Fewer than 5% of artists who sign with a major will ever turn a profit. People overhype labels or write them off entirely, but it comes down to what that specific label brings to the table.

Here’s what the filing shows…

Kris Kross — The most alarming claim in the filing involves Kris Kross. Sony allegedly kept override royalties owed on Totally Krossed Out (1992) and Da Bomb (1993) in a separate accounting system that So So Def had no access to for over 20 years. Sony claims it was unaware. Evidence presented shows foreign digital earnings across 15 countries totaling over 12 million units with a royalty payout of just $3,327.01 for the group’s song “You Can’t Get With This” alone. In excess of $2.2 million is owed on Kris Kross alone.

Rest easy, Chris “Mac Daddy” Kelly.

What Recoupment Actually Means Recoupment is a loan. A label can front a million dollars across recording, marketing, video, and touring, and every one of those dollars comes back out of the artist’s royalties before the artist sees a check. Until the debt clears, the account sits unrecouped, and unrecouped is the label’s permission slip to hold the money. What makes it worse is that repaying the advance does not buy the artist out. The company still owns a royalty on every sale that comes after.

Xscape — Sony allegedly underreported producer royalties on Hummin’ Comin’ At ‘Cha (1993), with over $960,000 owed. For their first two albums to go platinum, the complaint claims the legendary group’s catalog is negative by over $1.5 million in So So Def’s Production Share account as of June 30, 2020. Between 2020 and 2024, that same account generated over $1 million in new earnings. Sony withheld those payments using the unrecouped balance as justification.

Get this… in 2021 Sony launched the Artists Forward Legacy Unrecouped Balance Program. The purpose of that program was to forgive old unrecouped balances, specifically any balances that originated 20 or more years ago, meaning Xscape’s albums were clearly well within the scope of that 20-year mark.

The balance should have been cleared, which ultimately would have triggered an obligation to report and pay nearly $1 million to So So Def, but Sony never paid.

Da Brat — Over $1 million in producer royalties allegedly withheld on Funkdafied (1994). Sony also underreported royalties on Da Brat’s second album Anuthatrantrum using incorrect royalty rates, though the full amount owed has not yet been determined.

Jagged Edge — The Jagged Era tells a similar story. Sony did not begin reporting previously unreported royalties on the album until 2023, and the amended statements reflect sales periods going back only as far as 2007, leaving a decade of earnings unaccounted for. The filing alleges Sony altered statements to conceal the full amount owed.

What Independence Actually Buys You

Independence is the closest thing this business has to freedom. In this business. Freedom means leverage.

Corporate labels have historically used independent Black music to feel the pulse of the public, then moved in with their own production and distribution to homogenize whatever was working. Owning your masters is how artists step out of that cycle.

Independent artists can earn 40% to 75% of their royalties. A major label artist earns 10% to 15%. In today’s music climate, ofc signing to a major label buys reach and capital. But it also buys a partner with a stake in everything. In the 2000s, labels introduced 360 deals, a model that can take anywhere from 25% to 30% of touring, nearly half of merchandise, and up to a quarter of endorsement money on top of record royalties. It is not often an easy decision to choose, especially when considering giving up control.

Did He Ever Get His Flowers?

The man deserves his flowers and then some. He gave us music that turned into a soundtrack for healing, for reflection, for moments that carry well for generations to come.

Through the lens of his catalog, the world experienced Atlanta. Kris Kross introduced a generation to the genre. Bow Wow gave the culture its youngest superstar. Xscape’s R&B sat in a lane all its own. Then came Usher’s Confessions and Mariah Carey’s The Emancipation of Mimi, both finished in his household.

He is not a rookie. He has three decades, a catalog valued over $200 million, and the money to hire people who read contracts for a living. It still took a lawsuit.

Whether the court sides with Dupri or not, the filing forces a conversation the industry has avoided for decades. Artists deserve to see the math. Not after a lawsuit. Not decades later.

Fluent in BLK is accepting pitches. If you’re interested, fill out the Write for Us form. We’re looking for writers with fresh perspectives on Black culture, music, entertainment, and the business behind it.

Sending photos with your pitch? Email editor@fluentinblk.com.

(Subject line) Pitch Pics: Why Women Are Choosing Spa Days Over Bottomless Brunch, Jane Doe

Industry context sourced from Christopher Vito, The Values of Independent Hip-Hop in the Post-Golden Era (Palgrave Macmillan, 2019).

The post Inside Jermaine Dupri’s $18 Million Lawsuit Against Sony Music Entertainment first appeared on FLUENT IN BLK.

Lisa Leslie. A champion. Compton-raised. Queen of the Basketball Court.

The basketball legend stopped by Good Morning America to share the news with host Robin Roberts that the Los Angeles Sparks will honor her with a statue at Crypto.com Arena on
September 20. This news marks a historic first, making her the only woman to have a permanent monument in Star Plaza.

Long-time friend and Lakers legend Magic Johnson shared those words publicly when the announcement was made, calling her legacy ‘beyond deserving’ and naming her the ‘driving force’ behind the Sparks’ consecutive titles.

She spent all twelve seasons of her WNBA career in Los Angeles, known for her versatility, a proficient rebounder who could move the floor at 6’5 in a way that made the position feel like it was invented for her. She was glamorous and dominant in the same breath, and Los Angeles knew exactly what it had. A retired No. 9 jersey, a Hall of Fame induction, and now a statue outside Crypto.com Arena further mark her as a rare breed, and this city is finally building something permanent enough to say so.

I grew up watching Lisa Leslie on TV, admiring her beauty and the way she dominated the floor. That smooth mid-range jumper. The effortless rebounds. Her presence. She was really special to watch.

So it’s only right that I put together some did-you-knows. Because did you know???

• By age 12, Leslie already stood over 6 feet tall and wore size 12 shoes. Her mother bought her clothes in the men’s department.

• Leslie modeled for Vogue, Sports Illustrated, and Elle after signing with the Wilhelmina agency out of college.

• She was the first female player in professional sports to dunk in a game. First to record a double-double in the WNBA.

• After retiring, she published her autobiography. The title alone tells you everything you need to know about who she is: Don’t Let the Lipstick Fool You.

• Leslie married UPS pilot Michael Lockwood in November 2005. Their daughter, Lauren Jolie, was born first. Their son Michael Joseph was born in 2010, the same year the Sparks retired her number nine.

• In 2021 she was inducted as an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority

The ceremony is set for Sunday, September 20 at Crypto.com Arena before the Sparks take on the Portland Fire. Details on timing, programming, and fan opportunities will be announced closer to the date.

The post Lisa Leslie Set to Receive Her Own Statue from the Los Angeles Sparks first appeared on FLUENT IN BLK.

Broken p**** rap origins, director drama, and title battles revealed in Blocc Party’s debut episode.

Issa Rae and showrunner Prentice Penny are back together for Block Party, a new podcast dedicated to revisiting Insecure episode by episode as the show nears its tenth anniversary this October.

The first episode covers the pilot and the origin stories behind some of the show’s most iconic moments. Rae reveals the “broken pu**y” rap came from a real conversation with her best friend. Penny admits he left his job on Brooklyn Nine-Nine without ever having fully watched Awkward Black Girl. The Lawrence character almost did not exist in the original script. And Chris Rock was HBO’s first choice to direct the pilot, but ultimately passed.

The podcast also gets into the casting process. Penny shares his handwritten notes from auditions, including what he wrote about Yvonne Orji and Jay Ellis the day they read. Rae talks about how she kept Orji’s audition separate from her own involvement, letting the process play out without interference.

The conversation covers the Insecure shot, Molina Matsoukas coming into the director role underprepared the first time and returning with a full deck, the decision to end the show after five seasons, and what the first screening at Essence Fest felt like before anyone knew what the show would become.

Block Party drops new episodes every Wednesday on YouTube and all podcast platforms through HOORAE Media.

The post Issa Rae and Cast Take Us Back to Insecure’s Stories You Never Knew first appeared on FLUENT IN BLK.

The 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony honored OutKast, the iconic hip-hop duo whose originality and artistry changed music forever. At the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, André 3000 and Big Boi made history as the first Southern rap group and the first rap duo inducted into the Hall of Fame. Their heartfelt speeches reflected gratitude and reflections of humble beginnings in a journey that began in an Atlanta basement and grew into a global phenomenon.

The event was filled with performances from Big Boi himself to Doja Cat, J.I.D., Tyler, the Creator, Janelle Monae, Killer Mike, and Sleepy Brown, paying tribute to the legends.

An emotional aphorism from Andre in front of the packed house…

“Little rooms… Great things start in little rooms.”– Andre

The South Got Something to Say

OutKast’s debut album…

Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik (1994), was released under Arista and LaFace Records and quickly went platinum, selling over one million copies. At the 1995 Source Awards, the duo earned Best New Artist, but their win was met with boos. At the time, hip-hop was split between the East and the West Coast’s dominance, leaving the South to fight for its respect. That night, André delivered one of the most defining statements in hip-hop history: “The South got something to say.” His words echoed through the industry, elevating the Dirty South and opening doors for Southern artists.

OutKast: Impact & Influence

Beyond their music, OutKast is celebrated for their distinctive style and magnetic charisma, blending avant-garde with urban streetwear in a way that sets them apart from hip-hop norms. Big Boi and André 3000 never conformed to the conventional expectations of what hip-hop artists should look like. Their fashion choices, from Atlanta Braves jerseys, furs, country gentleman hats, to dashikis, turbans, and bold eclectic ensembles, reflected their Southern roots while pushing the boundaries of black cultural expression. This fearless originality has earned them lasting admiration and love, making them icons of authenticity and creative freedom in hip-hop and beyond.

OutKast’s global influence also reshaped music worldwide by introducing Southern hip-hop to international audiences and blending funk, soul, and rap into a unique voice. The 6X Grammy-winning duo’s album Speakerboxxx/The Love Below earned Album of the Year and Best Rap Album, with “Hey Ya!” as a Diamond-certified cultural phenomenon. Their artistic and fashion innovation transformed perceptions of hip-hop on a global scale, solidifying their legacy as icons of fearless originality and pioneers of a new creative era.

The post OutKast Joins the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame first appeared on FLUENT IN BLK.