Rihanna was spotted leaving LA courthouse on Friday (Jan. 31) after supporting ASAP Rocky during his ongoing shooting trial. Video footage of the singer dressed in leather pants and a light blazer as she left the courthouse surface on social media.
While Rihanna’s appearance made headlines, tensions in the courtroom escalated when ASAP Rocky’s lawyer, Joe Tacopina, got into a heated exchange with Deputy District Attorney John Lewin. The argument reportedly centered on Rocky’s defense strategy, which claims that the gun used in the alleged 2021 incident with ASAP Relli was merely a prop.
Rocky’s legal team argues that he fired “warning shots” with a fake gun to defuse a confrontation between Relli and ASAP Illz. However, prosecutors are challenging the credibility of this defense.
Meanwhile, Rihanna’s recent comments on love songs have sparked speculation about whether she subtly referenced Drake amid their past history. However, for now, her focus appears to be standing by Rocky during this legal battle.
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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’.
Founder, Robert L. Johnson, saw the vision for a television programming network, specifically designed for an African American audience during his time as a cable industry lobbyist.
The network gained prominence through its syndicated shows, such as Video Soul, Rap City, 106 & Park, Teen Summit, which now advanced to the network hosting numerous TV shows, movies, the BET Awards, and much more.
Chicago Treasurer’s Office is committing to the financial growth of Black residents.
While the current presidential administration is busy rolling back diversity and inclusion efforts, the Chicago Treasurer’s Office is remaining committed to supporting Black Chicagoans in the form of financial literacy and empowerment.
In honor of Black History Month, the Chicago Treasurer’s Office is spotlighting Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin’s dedication to ensuring Black Chicagoans have equal access to financial tools and resources. This commitment reflects Conyears-Ervin’s ongoing efforts since taking office in 2019 to launch initiatives aimed at closing the racial wealth gap, combating systemic discrimination in banking, and promoting responsible investing.
“Black History Month is about recognizing the remarkable accomplishments of Black individuals in the past and present, but it’s also about spotlighting the ongoing work to create more equality for Black Americans, who still experience significant gaps in health, wealth and more,” Conyears-Ervin said in a statement.
“My office has worked to close financial gaps by providing education to all and introducing young people to careers in the financial services industry,” she added.
Four initiatives highlight her efforts to advancing equity in Chicago:
Building Wealth Today for Tomorrow (BWTT): An annual financial empowerment summit featuring workshops, keynote speakers, and youth engagement programs aimed at addressing systemic wealth disparities.
The Youth Financial Program aims to equip the next generation with financial scholarships, wealth-building tools, and resources to make informed financial decisions.
Advancing Equity in Banking Commission (AEBC): An initiative co-founded in 2020 by Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs and Conyears-Ervin, creating a network of leading Illinois-based banking institutions dedicated to promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and dismantling systemic racism in the banking industry.
Broker-Dealer Scorecard: An initiative Conyears-Ervin began after taking office which introduced an innovative broker-dealer scorecard to assess the diversity, equity, and inclusion practices of firms working with the city. As part of the effort, she spearheaded a city council ordinance requiring the divestment of city funds from fossil fuel investments to promote socially responsible investing.
Chicago faces a stark racial wealth gap, with white families holding a significantly higher median net worth than Black, Mexican, and Puerto Rican families. This disparity stems from factors such as discriminatory policies, limited access to financial services, and unequal homeownership rates.
One study projects that the median Black household could reach zero wealth by 2053. In Cook County, household wealth in predominantly white affluent areas is over 200 times greater than in the poorest communities, which are largely made up of people of color. Additionally, research shows that 72% of white families own homes compared to just 34% of Black families.
The City Treasurer’s Office is responsible for overseeing and managing all cash and investments for the City of Chicago and its four employee pension funds. It also leads initiatives focused on financial education and supporting small business growth in local neighborhoods. As one of three citywide elected officials, the treasurer serves alongside the mayor and the city clerk.
RELATED CONTENT: Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Launches ‘Know Your Rights’ Campaign Amid Immigration Raids
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’.
Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing new allegations from federal prosecutors, who’ve now added 2 new victims to the case … and accused him of a much longer reign of terror.The new filing — known as a superseding indictment — adds “Victim-2” and “Victim-3” … both of whom are women. Previously the feds had only listed “Victim-1,” who is clearly Diddy’s ex, Cassie, based on Diddy’s own attorneys connecting her to the infamous hallway beating video.
According to the new docs, Diddy allegedly transported all 3 women to “engage in prostitution” … which is one of the charges he was already facing from the original indictment.While they don’t describe the exact nature of Diddy’s relationship with the women, the feds say he “provided the victims with, among other things, monetary payments, career opportunities, and payment of rent and housing expenses.”The feds have also added a new detail to the racketeering conspiracy charge, as they now allege Diddy’s ran that criminal enterprise from 2004 to 2024. In the previous indictment they claimed it had started in 2008.
Diddy’s attorney Marc Agnifilo says, “The latest Indictment contains no new offenses. The prosecution’s theory remains flawed. The government has added the ridiculous theory that two of Mr. Combs’ former girlfriends were not girlfriends at all but were prostitutes. Mr. Combs is as committed as ever to fighting these charges and winning at trial.”That federal trial is currently slated to begin on May 5, so Diddy’s day in court isn’t all that far off.
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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’.
Roxanne Shanté, a true pioneer and trailblazer in hip-hop, continues to break barriers. The iconic rapper, known for her groundbreaking 1984 hit “Roxanne’s Revenge,” has been honored as the first solo female rapper to receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy.
The award, given to performers whose creative contributions have had outstanding artistic significance, will be presented to Shanté on Saturday, February 1, at the Wilshire Ebell Theater in Los Angeles. She joins a prestigious list of honorees this year, including Frankie Beverly, The Clash, Dr. Bobby Jones, Taj Mahal, Prince, and Frankie Valli.
Hip-hop pioneers like Run-DMC, Public Enemy, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Salt-N-Pepa, and N.W.A. have previously received the award, but Shanté’s recognition as a solo female rapper highlights her trailblazing role in the genre.
Reflecting on her career, Shanté shared with Gayle King of CBS Mornings: “When you get in the music industry, you want three things: to get paid, to get on Billboard and to win a Grammy.” Now, with the Lifetime Achievement Award, she’s accomplished all three.
Shanté’s legacy as a key figure in hip-hop history continues to inspire, and this honor solidifies her place in music history as a true trailblazer.
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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’.
Rihanna: High Fashion in High Stress … First Courtroom Sketch From Court Revealed!!!
12:30 PM PT — The first image of Rihanna in court has finally been released … and, while many fans were hoping for a photograph, right now all they’re getting is a sketch.A courtroom artist drew Rihanna … capturing her in the white top and earrings which we previously reported she was wearing.
The court’s currently on break for lunch after a contentious morning between A$AP Relli and A$AP Rocky‘s attorney Joe Tacopina … and, the intense energy in the room shows no sign of slowing down after lunch.Rihanna’s standing by her man in court … arriving for the fourth day of A$AP Rocky’s trial in his assault case in a fashionable outfit.The singer-songwriter’s sitting in the gallery in between Rocky’s mother and sister … wearing a button-up white top, skinny black tie, black work pants and black point pumps — accessorizing with a pair of big gold hoop earrings.
She’s letting her hair down, parting it to the right … looking at people when they talk — no mask and no glasses on in the court. Rocky arrived at the courthouse in an all-black suit this morning … but, he and RiRi appeared to pull up separately, just like they did yesterday. They did leave together on Wednesday though.Rihanna’s apparently famished too … snacking on some kind of bar or brownie while waiting for proceedings to kick off. Unclear if she missed breakfast to get to the trial or if she’s stress eating — but, it’s definitely no Giorgio Baldi.
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BlkCosmo.com
We’re told Rihanna looks more relaxed today than yesterday — it’s a much smaller crowd in the courtroom today — but, she’s also all business … not cracking a smile or giggling at jokes others in the room find amusing. No photogs have been able to get RiRi on camera so far.Of course, we told you Rihanna planned to attend the trial this week … and, pulled up yesterday too — sitting in the front row of the gallery while A$AP Relli, the man accusing Rocky of shooting him, testified.
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Text messages sent between Rocky and Relli were presented to the court … and, Relli also revealed his life has been a “living hell” since the alleged shooting in 2021.Rocky is facing two charges of assault with an automatic firearm — and, if convicted, Rocky faces up to 24 years in prison.Joe Tacopina — Rocky’s defense attorney — has maintained Rocky couldn’t shoot Relli … ’cause the gun he had in his hand on the night of the alleged assault was actually a prop gun.In court Thursday, Tacopina is expected to cross-examine Relli … though the judge began the hearing by asking the cameraman to turn off the camera filming the proceedings.
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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’.
Jeannie Mai was visibly frustrated after discovering her personal belongings in damaged condition at Jeezy’s Georgia home during a court-ordered property retrieval.
On December 9, 2024, Jeannie arrived at the residence to collect her items, despite Jeezy’s earlier motion to limit her access. In body-cam footage from the visit, she is heard questioning the house manager about the condition of her belongings, pointing out that her clothing was exposed, the garage was damp, and boxes were damaged.
Jeannie Mai Confronts Jeezy’s Team Over ‘Damaged’ Property During Home Visit
“The box is damaged. The clothing is exposed. The garage is damp,” Jeannie remarked before addressing Jeezy’s lawyer over speakerphone. “Let’s make sure we have respect for a woman’s belongings.”
Her lawyer later revealed that many of her awards were broken and some boxes had been chewed through by mice. Jeezy’s legal team responded that any further disputes over the matter would have to be resolved in court.
The potential to save money is among the top reasons why some people look to sell their own homes instead of using a real estate agent.
A recent survey from Clever, a real estate education platform for home buyers, sellers, and investors, showed that people using for sale by owner (FSBO) sometimes embrace the option not to pay a listing agent commission.
But the process is not easy and may come with snags.
Forty-nine percent of FSBO sellers wish they had priced their home differently, compared to 73% of represented sellers who felt their agent had priced their home right. Eighty percent of sellers without an agent were dissatisfied with parts of their home sale, with a lack of offers (24%) being the most common regret.
Moreover, 50% of FSBO sellers felt overwhelmed when selling their home, and 53% added buyers didn’t trust them.
The bottom line: People aiming to save money in 2025 may be enticed to be FSBO sellers. However, research showed that those sellers can end up disappointed because they might bag more money with a real estate agent.
Based on an average listing agent commission of 2.74%, FSBO sellers could save about $14,000 on a $500,000 home. Yet sellers who team with an agent and pay commissions reported an average profit of $207,500, a robust $79,000 more than FSBO sellers’ profit of $128,500.
In July and August of 2024, Clever surveyed 654 American adults who sold a home in 2023 or 2024 to gauge their home-selling experiences, including if they used an agent.
In general, sellers should be aware of the pros and cons of using the FSBO approach or hiring a real estate agent to peddle your home.
Jaime Dunaway-Seale, author of this report, says the upside is they have more control over their sales. For instance, they can negotiate without an intermediary. They can organize their showings and set their list price.
The downside: They forsake a lot of expertise by not using an agent and risk getting fewer buyers coming to see their home because an agent is not being used.
“That lack of expertise usually leads to lower profits overall for those sellers,” Dunaway-Seale tells Black Cosmopolitan.
The good news for sellers hiring an agent is that they will receive much help from a real estate agent who knows the market and understands the home-buying process. This usually results in more significant profit, faster sales, and a less stressful experience for the homeowner.
Conversely, using an agent is usually a significantly sizable upfront investment, which can reduce your overall profit.
“The right choice for the homeowner on which option to use may depend on their situation and what they value the most, including variables such as profit, finding the right buyer, and how fast they want to sell,” Dunaway-Seale says.
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Megan Thee Stallion Reigns Supreme at Fashion Week In ‘Queen of the Damned’ Look!!!
Megan Thee Stallion is shining bright at Paris Fashion Week… in a silver number reminiscent of one Aaliyah‘s most iconic looks.Check it out … the “Mamushi” rapper hit Gaurav Gupta‘s Haute Couture Spring/Summer fashion show in Paris on Wednesday, where she wore a stunning metal ensemble with striking chain drip covering her from head to toe.
If the couture look is familiar to some of you, you’re not alone … Megan’s outfit — which included several silver payals and threads — is similar to a get-up worn by the late singer Aaliyah in 2002’s “Queen of the Damned.”For those who haven’t caught the early aughts horror film, Aaliyah played Akasha, the titular vampire queen opposite Stuart Townsend‘s Lestat de Lioncourt. In the movie, Aaliyah famously dropped jaws by rocking a skin-showing 2-piece with metal detailing and a matching crown.While Megan’s look wasn’t an identical replica of the late singer’s famed film costume, it certainly had the same vibe … indicating MTS was ready to reign supreme over fashion week this January.And how could she not in this outfit, which allowed photogs to get a good look at her famous derriere thanks to the carefully crafted gaps in the ensemble.
This isn’t the first time Megan has worn Gupta’s fashion … she previously wore a less shiny, yet just as stunning, outfit for the Oscars back in 2022. When something works, it just works!!!Paris, you have found your next fashion star …. or as the kids say, “Watashi Wa Star.”
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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’.
