Source: Panelists from the panel “Power Redefined: Owning Ambition, Influence, and Equity” (L-R): Chris Foster, CEO OPRG; Miatta Johnson, Co-CEO MVD, Inc.; Adrianne C. Smith, Founder of Can: Diversity Collective; Candace Montgomery CEEVP, The Atlantic; Luana Génot, President & Executive Director ID_BR Brazilian Identities Institute; moderator Avra Lorrimer, Chief Client Officer OPRG – Photo Credit: Porsha Monique for MadameNoire / Porsha Monique
The World Economic Forum (WEF), held annually in Davos, Switzerland, from January 20–25, is a global platform where leaders in business, government, and society collaborate to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. While traditionally dominated by elite power players, WEF has increasingly become a space for diverse voices to shape global dialogue. For Black women, attending WEF is not just about occupying a seat at the table—it’s about redefining the table itself.
MadameNoire was on-site during this year’s forum to find out more about what the global event was all about. While attending the Inkwell Snow Beach activation, a stand-alone activation created by Adrianne C. Smith that’s dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) during WEF, we spoke exclusively with several women attendees who shared their unique perspectives on why Black women in particular should be interested in attending WEF.
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Disclaimer: For Education and discussion purposes. Please note no copyright infringement is intended, was recorded on BlkCosmo’s own equipment, and we do not own nor claim to own any of the original recordings used in this video and intend to use this as ‘fair use’.
A$AP Rocky Found Not Guilty: Inside the High-Stakes Trial That Had Everyone Watching
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky are seen outside of Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center on February 18, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Source: DUTCH/Bauer-Griffin / Getty
A$AP Rocky, one of hip-hop’s most stylish and influential figures, walked out of a Los Angeles courtroom on February 18, 2025, a free man. After facing two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm—charges that carried a potential 24-year prison sentence—the rapper, born Rakim Mayers, was acquitted by a jury, bringing a dramatic end to a legal battle that had captivated the industry.
A Pivotal Decision: Rocky’s Gamble on His Innocence
Before the trial began, prosecutors offered Rocky a plea deal: six months in jail, probation, and additional conditions in exchange for a guilty plea. However, the Harlem rapper refused, maintaining his innocence and opting to take his chances before a jury. His decision proved to be the right one, as the panel ultimately sided with him, delivering a not guilty verdict on all charges.
A$AP Rocky Speaks After Not Guilty Verdict
After hearing the verdict, Rocky turned to the jury and made a powerful statement:
“Thank y’all for saving my life.”
The relief was palpable. His longtime partner, Rihanna, broke down in tears, hugging his defense attorneys, visibly moved by the outcome. She had attended multiple court sessions, even bringing their two young sons—RZA and Riot Rose—to some of the final arguments, showing unwavering support.
What Happened That Night in 2021?
The case stemmed from an incident on November 6, 2021, when Rocky was accused of firing a gun at former friend and A$AP Mob associate Terell ‘Relli’ Ephron on a Hollywood street.
Rocky’s defense team countered that he was carrying a prop gun that only fired blanks, which he had taken from a music video set months earlier. According to witnesses, he allegedly used it as a warning shot after Relli began attacking another member of their crew. However, authorities were never told about the prop gun until the jury selection process began, three years after the incident.
A Tense Courtroom Drama
Throughout the trial, tensions ran high. Prosecutors painted Rocky as a violent aggressor, while his legal team argued that he had acted in self-defense. The jury was instructed that if they believed Rocky had a reasonable fear for his safety and used appropriate force, they could acquit him.
It’s unclear whether the jury found Rocky innocent based on the prop gun claim or because they felt he had acted in self-defense. They did not have to agree on the reason—only the verdict itself.
When the jury’s decision was announced, Rocky’s emotions took over. He ran into the gallery to embrace friends, family, and his legal team, some of whom were seen wiping away tears. Outside the courthouse, he publicly thanked God, his lawyers, and the jury for his freedom.
Rihanna’s Reaction: A Message of Faith and Gratitude
Shortly after the verdict, Rihanna took to Instagram to express her feelings, posting:
“THE GLORY BELONGS TO GOD AND GOD ALONE! THANKFUL, HUMBLED BY HIS MERCY! 🙏🏾”
The global superstar had played a quiet but significant role throughout the proceedings. While she didn’t testify, her presence in the courtroom, alongside Rocky’s mother and sister, was a strong message of solidarity.
A Controversial Witness: The Case Against A$AP Relli
Following Rocky’s acquittal, his attorney Joe Tacopina turned the tables on A$AP Relli, calling him the real criminal in the situation. Tacopina accused Relli of lying under oath, urging prosecutors to investigate him instead.
Relli’s credibility had already been a sticking point in the trial. During cross-examination, his testimony grew heated, with Rocky’s team pushing back against inconsistencies in his account of the shooting.
Media Frenzy and the Public’s Reaction
This trial was one of the most high-profile legal battles in hip-hop in recent years, drawing comparisons to past cases involving celebrities facing serious charges. Many fans and industry figures rallied behind Rocky, calling the case an example of overreach by prosecutors.
The jury that decided his fate consisted of seven women and five men—none of whom were Black. During jury selection, potential jurors were asked if they were familiar with A$AP Rocky or Rihanna’s music, a sign of how much public attention the case had received.
Moving Forward: What’s Next for A$AP Rocky?
Now that he’s cleared of all charges, Rocky is free to focus on his career, family, and creative ventures. His brand AWGE, which has been known for its “Fight Club” level secrecy, remains a powerhouse in music, fashion, and art.
While he remained silent about his legal troubles during the trial, Rocky’s next moves will be closely watched. Will he address the case in his music? Will he take legal action against Relli for defamation? One thing is certain—this chapter of his life is closing, and a new one is about to begin.
created by photogrid
Black Cosmopolitans, what are your thoughts on the verdict? Do you think A$AP Rocky made the right choice by taking this case to trial? Drop your comments below!
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Disclaimer: For Education and discussion purposes. Please note no copyright infringement is intended, was recorded on BlkCosmo’s own equipment, and we do not own nor claim to own any of the original recordings used in this video and intend to use this as ‘fair use’.
Whew, chileeee! The internet is on Kim Kardashian’s head, saying she’s looking a lot like Bianca Censori in some new photos.
Is Kim Kardashian Lowkey Trying To Steal Bianca Censori’s Look?
Kim Kardashian dropped some new pics on X (formerly Twitter) right before Valentine’s Day. It looks like the Skims founder was in the mood to spread some love, rocking a white fit covered in colorful hearts. For hair and makeup, she went with something a lil’ different, slicking back her blunt bob and adding a dark smokey eye.
As soon as the photos hit the internet, social media users couldn’t help but point out how much she looked like her ex-husband’s new wife. Was it the hair or the makeup? Nobody knows for sure, but either way, the pics have the internet dragging Kim over the resemblance. Additional photos even began to circulate online showing Bianca Censori with a bob hairstyle similar to Kimmie’s.
Kim K Responds To Copying Claims
As the comparisons started rolling in, Kim Kardashian definitely noticed! She hopped back on X with a lil’ clapback for the folks saying she copied Bianca Censori. Kim pulled up a throwback receipt from 1994 showing her with the same bob she’s rocking in the new pics. However, as of right now, neither Bianca nor Ye have said anything about the copying claims.
Disclaimer: For Education and discussion purposes. Please note no copyright infringement is intended, was recorded on BlkCosmo’s own equipment, and we do not own nor claim to own any of the original recordings used in this video and intend to use this as ‘fair use’.
Supreme drops bold logo jackets, eye-catching caps, workwear pants and more.
(Supreme)
It’s been some time since Supreme was merely an edgy skate and streetwear brand: These days, the company is a bona fide behemoth in the fashion world at large, and the new Supreme Spring/Summer 2025 Collection showcases the billion-dollar company’s range from head to toe.
(Supreme)
There’s a vast array of gear fit for shoulder season, from bomber jackets to windbreakers, fleece zip-up jackets, hoodies, crewnecks and T-shirts, along with tasteful sweaters and even a few pieces shown alongside tailoring in the new Supreme SS25 Lookbook.
(Supreme)
Famed British artist Damien Hirst even lends his considerable eye for design to a new bomber jacket (shown above). Throughout the collection, there are pieces more elevated (like leather trousers) and pieces more sporty or skate-inspired, like a vivid range of snapback caps.
(Supreme)
There’s also a distinct sense of nostalgia made modern woven throughout the much-hyped and buzzed-about offering: Witness none other than SpongeBob Squarepants popping up on a pit crew-style jacket. Umbro also delivers GORE-TEX jackets and pants in collaborative fashion, while electronica artist Aphex Twin produced a T-shirt for the new collection.
(Supreme)
Ever arbiters of cool, Supreme expands its range with retro-inspired polos (if the late ’90s and early ’00s are now truly considered a throwback era). The assortment includes all manner of tops, from t-shirts to bowling shirts and button-downs, each given an extra dash of fashion-forward sensibility with touches like the Supreme logo or bold collaborative artwork.
(Supreme)
Most intriguing in the lineup are pieces like cow-print pants, styled alongside workwear jackets that nod to Supreme’s deep roots in skating and streetwear culture. Inventive partnerships are the norm these days for Supreme, be it delivering a line of moto gear with Ducati or showing off the inventive creative eye of an artist like Hirst.
(Supreme)
In true workwear fashion, Supreme’s latest offering includes expertly faded, washed jeans alongside on-trend pant silhouettes like a designer-approved take on the cargo pant (made with GORE-TEX). Sweatpants and track pants offer a sense of leisurely style, and one pair of jeans even make an eye-catching “S” shape on the back legs and pockets via contrast stitching. Call them an unmistakably Supreme-approved pair of blue jeans.
(Supreme)
And while the apparel offering runs the gamut, blending the world of sport and streetwear with a vivid range of colors and graphics, every Supreme collection isn’t without its oddities. There’s a leopard-print pool table debuting this coming season, as well as a boxing speed bag made with Everlast. Knoll also made a washed denim edition of the iconic Mies Van Der Rohe Barcelona chair: Supreme even has your home furnishings on lock these days.
(Supreme)
While some designer collections mine the far past for inspiration, and some trends seemingly set right in the moment, Supreme are straddling the line between old-school streetwear and modern “Dimes Square” fashion, with a hefty dose of late ’90s and early ’00s nostalgia firmly in the mix. Keep an eye on the Supreme Web store for the full collection drop.
Mentioned in this article: Collectibles fashion luxury Luxury Fashion Luxury Style Spring Style Style supreme Supreme Menswear
Travis Scott Sued Your Security Guard Violently Assaulted Me … Rep Says Rapper Wasn’t Involved
Travis Scott is being dragged to court by a man who claims one of the rapper’s security guards violently injured him … but Travis’ camp says the lawsuit is bogus.According to new legal docs, obtained by BlkCosmo, a man named Omar Muhanna claims he was outside a “concert venue” where Travis performed when one of Travis’ security guards made violent physical contact with him.
The guy claims he did nothing to cause or provoke the alleged assault and battery … which he says happened August 17, 2024 in Manhattan and resulted in serious and permanent injuries.Travis appeared at Fanatics Fest at the Javits Center in Manhattan that day, but Muhanna claims the alleged assault happened a few blocks away.
A rep for Travis tells BlkCosmo … Travis was not present because he was inside a restaurant and the alleged incident happened outside.The suit doesn’t allege Travis did anything wrong here other than hiring a security company that employed the security guard at the center of the dispute … and Travis’ reps are blasting the lawsuit as “frivolous.”Muhanna claims the security guard has a “propensity for the type of behavior” that resulted in his alleged injuries. He says Travis never should have hired the guy and he’s seeking damages.
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Disclaimer: For Education and discussion purposes. Please note no copyright infringement is intended, was recorded on BlkCosmo’s own equipment, and we do not own nor claim to own any of the original recordings used in this video and intend to use this as ‘fair use’.
Four African designers are among the20 semifinalists in the LVMH Prize 2025, the competition for emerging designers held annually since 2014. South African designer Thebe Magugu was thefirst African to win the prize in 2019. British Indian Nigerian designer Priya Ahluwaliawas a finalist in 2020, and Cape Town-based Lukhanyo Mdingiwon the Special Prize in 2021.
This year’s African hopefuls are British Nigerian designer Tolu Coker, Ghanaian David Boyedoe, Egyptian Yasmin Mansour, and British designer of Nigerian and Brazilian descent Torishéju Dumi.
Coker, nominated for her eponymous brand, centers culture and identity in her designs, with inspiration for her collections ranging from acombination of the memories of her late activist father and the contemporary protest movement, End SARS, to her Yoruba culture and Pidgin English. ‘OLAPEJU,’ a collection from last year, is an ode to her mother, creating chic and colorful piecesdirectly inspired by the clothes her mum wore when she moved to London from Lagos in the 1970s.
Coker and Dumi have been lauded for championing sustainable practices, notably on theJanuary 2024 cover of British Vogue alongside Priya Ahluwalia.
Dumi, nominated for her semi-eponymous brand Torishéju, also roots her work in her identity, blending influences and styles into captivating pieces. “Mami Wata,” a cross-seasonal collection released in early 2023,showed her strength at making, “esoteric, intelligent, and abstract design[s].” Dumi put together her first Paris Fashion Week show later that year with the collection, “Fire on the Mountain,” opened by the revered supermodel Naomi Campbell. The collection also led to Dover Street Market (DSM)carrying Torishéju in all its stores.
Boyedoe is the first Ghanaian to be named a semifinalist in the LVMH Prize. His semi-eponymous brand blends African heritage and ethical elegance into an“afro-luxurious” whole. Boyedoe is rooted in sustainability, with culture, folklore and eclectic patterns underscoring its pieces and collections. The brand’s pieces are made from discarded or unsold stock, upcycling them and finding inventive uses within the ethos of deconstruction and reconstruction.
Mansour, nominated for hereponymous brand, weaves texture and structure into her refined vision of luxury. Her brand’s pieces are committed to a unique, sculptural elegance by melding architectural silhouettes, intricate pleating, and a reverence for traditional craftsmanship. Mansour’s commitment to sustainability is underlined by the timeless nature of her designs, presenting creations that bridge fashion and contemporary art.
The LVMH semifinalists will present their collections in early March, after which over 80 experts will vote for the eight finalists. The LVMH Prize includes three awards: The LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers, the Karl Lagerfeld Prize, and the most recently added Savoir-Faire Prize. Winners of all three prizes will receive year-long mentorship programs and financial endowments ranging from €200,000 to €400,000 ($209,000 to $418,000).
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Disclaimer: For Education and discussion purposes. Please note no copyright infringement is intended, was recorded on BlkCosmo’s own equipment, and we do not own nor claim to own any of the original recordings used in this video and intend to use this as ‘fair use’.
Drake Tosses Demar DeRozan Jersey … Like A Piece Of Trash
Drake‘s not letting up on NBA star DeMar DeRozan … a fan proved the beef is still going strong after seeing his jersey get tossed!!!The Boy was performing during his first Sydney show of his “Anita Max Wynn” Australia tour Sunday when a DeRozan jersey was flung in his direction as he performed “Rich Flex.”
After straightening out the wrinkles and realizing it was a DD jersey, Drake switched sports and spiked the shirt like a football straight off the stage!!!
Drake’s used to female attire being thrown at him. He had a vault of bras during his “It’s All A Blur” tour of ’23.
DeMar has repeatedly said he has no issues with Drake despite turning his “Not Like Us” shout-out lyrics into reality after Kendrick Lamar had him cameo in the music video. The good news for Drake is his new R&B album with PartyNextDoor is projected to do big numbers next week, so he’ll be able to pop his collar some more … even if DeMar doesn’t care.
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Disclaimer: For Education and discussion purposes. Please note no copyright infringement is intended, was recorded on BlkCosmo’s own equipment, and we do not own nor claim to own any of the original recordings used in this video and intend to use this as ‘fair use’.
Reginae Carter, the daughter of Lil Wayne, is not having it with the haters who came for her father’s SNL50 performance. After BlkCosmo shared a post about Lil Wayne’s performance on the iconic show, negative comments started flooding in, prompting Reginae to step in and defend her dad.
Reginae Carter Claps Back at Critics of Lil Wayne’s SNL50 Performance
In a fiery response, Reginae took to the comments section to shut down the critics: “Yall are some d riders! My dad been having fun performing for years! He is truly himself when he hit the stage,” she wrote. “Go play with yall mf kids… he collected a check after this.. what yall get for hating? Not a damn thing!”
Reginae’s bold defense of her father shows how protective she is of Lil Wayne’s legacy and artistic expression, reminding the critics that her father is a legend who continues to do what he loves while getting paid for it. Fans have applauded Reginae’s response, with many supporting her stance on standing up for her family.
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Disclaimer: For Education and discussion purposes. Please note no copyright infringement is intended, was recorded on BlkCosmo’s own equipment, and we do not own nor claim to own any of the original recordings used in this video and intend to use this as ‘fair use’.
Kim Kardashian continues to make major moves with her SKIMS brand.
For, the star has announced that her shapewear brand has teamed with Nike – and together the juggernauts are creating a collaborative line named NikeSKIMS.
Full story below…
Tag-teaming to continue their disruption of the global fitness and activewear industry, NikeSKIMS promises to deliver a best-in-class innovation in service of all women athletes.
Kardashian, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer, SKIMS, said in a statement:
“Nike and SKIMS share a deep commitment to innovation, inclusivity and pushing boundaries, driven by an unwavering belief in the power of women. This partnership is the culmination of that shared vision, delivering product that is meticulously designed to sculpt and perform for every body. Every single detail has been obsessed over and carefully considered. We’re incredibly excited to unveil our first collection this spring.”
Heidi O’Neill, President of Consumer, Product, and Brand, NIKE, Inc added:
“We’re energized by the opportunity to build a new brand and shake things up for the next generation of athletes with NikeSKIMS. This partnership brings together the best of both brands and unlocks an incredible opportunity to disrupt the industry with our shared passion and commitment to innovation. We will invite even more athletes into sport and movement with product that makes them feel strong and sexy.”
Jens Grede, Co-Founder and CEO, SKIMS concluded:
“Over the past five years, SKIMS has redefined the intimates and casual apparel landscape, championing inclusivity and confidence. Now, by partnering with Nike, the undisputed leader in athletic performance and innovation, we’re poised to create a new standard in the activewear market. This partnership will empower individuals to move with confidence and express themselves authentically, merging SKIMS’ focus on body confidence and self-expression with Nike’s relentless pursuit of athletic excellence.”
NikeSKIMS is set to debut its first collection in the US this Spring in stores and via nike.com/NikeSKIMS.
2026 will bring with it global expansion for the line.
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Disclaimer: For Education and discussion purposes. Please note no copyright infringement is intended, was recorded on BlkCosmo’s own equipment, and we do not own nor claim to own any of the original recordings used in this video and intend to use this as ‘fair use’.
Ne-Yo has social media going OFF after a video caught him showing love to his ladies backstage.
Ne-Yo Goes Viral Showin’ Love To His Ladies
Whew, chileee! BlkCosmo pulled a video from LiveBitez that captured Ne-Yo backstage before he hit the stage at a recent show.
But what really got social media popping off is that, before he steps out, each of his girlfriends is there waiting, and he gives every one of them a kiss — individually. As the clip rolls on, the ladies smile at Ne-Yo and follow him out to show him support.
Whew! Ne-Yo Sparks Reactions After Video Showed Him Doing THIS With His Three Girlfriends Backstage (WATCH)
Social Media Weighs In
The Roommates quickly flooded BlkCosmo’s comment section with reactions to the video of Ne-Yo and his ladies. A bunch of folks thought it was cringe, even though he’s been open about his polyamorous lifestyle before.
Instagram user @lexizjinx wrote, “We didn’t need to see this.”
Instagram user @kryssedeal wrote, “She’s a clown, she’s a clown, she’s a clown, he’s a clown…. It’s a circus 🤡 🎪”
While Instagram user @iamshayshanae wrote, “But would NEVER want their daughters to be like this…..I’m sure.”
Then Instagram user @iamcoachwise wrote, “That was cringe… do what you want, but this just seems weird!”
Another instagram user @spoiledd_brat._ wrote, “I pray my daughters never fall victim to stuff like this! Know your worth!”
Instagram user @dressedbyjessica wrote, “This the same man that gave us “miss independent” and so sick of love songs.”
While another Instagram user @cdiggi1 wrote, “He’s overcompensating for something. And it’s PAINFULLY obvious.”
Finally, Instagram user @lightskinkim wrote, “Ya’ll think of we took away his money and who “he is” ..the women would still accept this?”
Ne-Yo Keeps His Polyamorous Lifestyle Going Strong
Even though the post-show video of Ne-Yo and his ladies is going viral, this isn’t the first time they’ve trended online. Just recently, one of the three ladies in the ‘So Sick’ singer’s life posted a pic of them on what looks like a boat. Ne-Yo stands in the middle while they pose around him in bikinis.
Who are Ne-Yo’s three wives? R&B star’s backstage kisses go viral
According to The Tribune’s February 12, 2025, report, Ne-Yo’s primary partner is an OnlyFans model named Bella, while his other two partners are Arielle Hill, a party girl, and Phoenix Feather, also an OnlyFans model.
The singer, a divorced father of seven, has been open about his polyamorous lifestyle, regularly sharing glimpses of their relationship on social media.
Despite receiving criticism, Phoenix Feather defended their relationship, stating, “Yes, we’re in the public eye, and we know people are gonna voice their opinion… but y’all need to understand over here it’s a solid foundation. We understand each other, we stand on 10 when it comes to each other. A lot of people will never understand that, and that’s cool. Just know it’s US VS NOBODY.”
Ne-Yo has previously spoken about his views on monogamy, saying, “Monogamy’s for you? It’s not for me. I know this now, and it’s like a weight lifted off my shoulders.” His comments came after his 2023 divorce from Crystal Renay Williams, who accused him of infidelity and fathering a child outside their marriage.
In an interview with TMZ in April 2024, Ne-Yo expressed his belief that polygamous relationships should be legally recognized, stating that he no longer wants to “live a lie.” He elaborated, saying, “I spent a lot of time lying and trying to be somebody I wasn’t for the sake of someone else. It was a complete and utter time wasted. Now, I don’t have to lie anymore, and I’d be damned if I ever had to go back to being that person.”
His ex-wife, Crystal Renay, previously shared her frustration on Instagram, writing, “8 years. 8 years of lies and deception. 8 years of unknowingly sharing my life and my husband with numerous women who sell their bodies to him unprotected… every last one of them!”
While Ne-Yo’s polyamorous lifestyle has divided social media, the singer appears unfazed, continuing to embrace his unconventional relationships despite the controversy.
What Do You Think Cosmopolitans?
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Disclaimer: For Education and discussion purposes. Please note no copyright infringement is intended, was recorded on BlkCosmo’s own equipment, and we do not own nor claim to own any of the original recordings used in this video and intend to use this as ‘fair use’.
