Lloyd Banks recently addressed his relationship with 50 Cent in an interview with GQ.
The status of their relationship seemed uncertain after the G-Unit founder referred to Bank’s lack of evolution and called him “lazy” in his 2020 book, Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter. Given 50’s history, anything he has said publicly about someone, there is a good chance he has told them in private as well.
Despite 50’s accountability comment about Lloyd Banks, the two are “brothers.”
“It’s the same. We’re brothers,” Banks told GQ when asked about his relationship with 50 Cent. “We came into this together—we’re never all going to be doing the same thing at the same time at this point in our careers. You know what I mean? The last conversation I had with 50 was basically him telling me to get whatever I left out there. Because some hiatuses were planned and some weren’t.”
Banks also expressed his gratitude towards 50 Cent and G-Unit’s heyday.
We did something special that will never be done again,” said the “Power Steering” rapper. “Honestly, there are more positive moments than anything else.
Banks added that he can’t “cry about spilled milk.” As a result, he must take the initiative to make things happen. It is evident that Banks lives by these words with the release of his latest project.
The Course of The Inevitable 2 is a sequel to his previous 2021 release. The album features Jadakiss, Dave East Benny The Butcher, Conway the Machine and more.
Comic-Con will return for a full-scale convention in San Diego next week after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
The event kicks off next Thursday, July 21 and will feature an appearance from William Shatner who’ll talk about the new documentary on his career plus his recent trip to space.
Next Friday, rock icon Ozzy Osbourne will unveil a limited edition comic book with Todd McFarlane, creator of the Spawn series, and Amazon will give fans a first look at the new Lord of the Rings series.
On Saturday, July 23rd, HBO will present its prequel to Game of Thrones. Returning this year, the Stern Pinball Pop-up Arcade will include all of the latest Stern Pinball machines featuring the award-winning Insider Connected platform.
All Comic-Con attendees are required to wear masks and show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test within 72 hours.
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Many hip-hop stars are known for creating their own clothing, shoes, or jewelry line, but rapper Fabolous might be the first artist to have a line that includes a Parisian jewelry trunk and other upscale accessories that can fit in with both work and play fits.
Fobolous Hemincuff line collab
The resulting collab between Fabolous and well-known jeweler Greg Yuna is a new line in the NYC-based vegan and sustainable accessories brand, Hemincuff. The collection, which features a variety of trunks, cases, and packs, is decorated in the brand’s exclusive geo-print, which is inspired by Hemincuff CEO/Founder Noel Veloz’s love for Parisian fashion, art, and architecture as well as hip-hop culture.
Noel Veloz details the collaboration stating, “I wanted to drop this Paris Collection with Fabolous and Greg Yuna because they are defined as tastemakers in the industry. Fabolous has been my all-time favorite hip-hop artist since I was a kid, and my dream has always been to work alongside him and that’s just what I did. I bumped into his manager at one of my retail jobs, he introduced me to Greg Yuna, and the rest was history. With this collaboration, I’ll become the first Dominican American to release vegan leather trunks handmade in Mexico. I’m really looking forward to creating my own lane with this collection.”
According to Velez, the line’s geo-print was inspired by his close relationship and love for his family with the six leaves in the print representing the six letters in the word “family” and the six members of Noel’s family. The two darker colors represent Velez’s parents and the four royal blue leaves, which is Velez’s and his father’s favorite color, represent his three other siblings. When his family comes together the geo print is complete.
Fabolous describes how he was excited to be a part of the collaboration as Velez and his family hail from Queens, Fabolous’s home city, stating: “When Noel approached me to be a collaborator in his Hemincuff Paris Collection alongside Greg Yuna, I knew I had to be a part of it. Noel’s Father has been and is the inspiration of these creations and the Hemincuff brand as a whole – him and Noel put the name in the vegan leather! Greg is from Queens, I’m from Brooklyn, and Noel is from the Bronx – it was a New York collaboration! When we come through with the vegan trunk briefcase, we mean business!”
Hemincuff unveiled the gorgeous PARIS THE FAMILY X GY collection ($295 – $695), which is now available for pre-order.. Customers are able to join the waitlist now on the brand’s website www.hemincuff.com
McDonald’s Future 22 is an integrated, creative campaign, launched during Black History Month, that highlights 22 young, Black visionaries who are creating meaningful change in communities across the country.
During the 2022 Essence Festival of Culture,McDonald’s furthered its commitment to serving up bright futures by surprising 22 young, Black leaders with $10,000 each — totaling to $220,000 — to help them achieve their community-driven goals, with the help of award-winning actress, singer and entertainer and campaign spokesperson, Keke Palmer.
“It’s an honor to join McDonald’s to recognize and celebrate these awesome leaders, while also supporting their work and mission,” said Keke. “They are creating bright futures for themselves and the next generation – and, really, all of us – and the excitement on their faces during the McDonald’s surprise gave me joy.”
During the celebratory event held at Essence Fest last weekend in New Orleans, which McDonald’s sponsored for the 22nd year, Keke and Marissa Fisher, a second-generation McDonald’s Owner/Operator in New Orleans, participated in a fireside chat moderated by McDonald’s Senior Director of Cultural Engagement, Elizabeth Campbell, to inspire Future 22 leaders and provide tips on staying true to one’s mission, finding balance while changing the world and paving the way for others, among other topics.
“This year’s Essence Fest theme was Black Joy, and we couldn’t wait to celebrate all 22 leaders and bring them to New Orleans, in honor of their accomplishments,” said Campbell. “We certainly could’ve surprised them virtually but making them a part of our Essence Fest moment meant unlocking the additional community of supporters who are McDonald’s Owner/Operators and the Essence Fest family, to further celebrate them and demonstrate our belief in their work. It was more special than imagined, representing our commitment to feeding and fostering the communities we serve.”
All weekend long, the Future 22 leaders were invited to celebrate the Essence Festival of Culture 2022 theme of “Black Joy” through different McDonald’s activities, including a celebratory event in their honor, impactful experiences at its branded booth, loads of entertainment, and show-stopping performances. Future 22 campaign spokesperson Keke Palmer announced the funds during the celebratory event following a fireside chat with New Orleans-based Owner/Operator Marissa Fisher on staying true to one’s mission, creating your own opportunities and finding balance while changing the world. Moderated by McDonald’s Senior Director of Cultural Engagement, Elizabeth Campbell.
McDonald’s Future 22 and the Essence Fest partnership are two of the many company initiatives that celebrate Black excellence. For more than 65 years, McDonald’s and its Owner/Operators have awarded scholarships to HBCU students, and created impactful partnerships with community organizations like the National Urban League, NAACP, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and more. And this year, McDonald’s is proud to congratulate the National Black McDonald’s Operators Association for 50 years of entrepreneurial and community excellence.
Watch the interviews above for more on Keke Palmer and McDonald’s Future 22 campaign.
Ne-yo and Jacquees both made their presence felt during Essence Festival weekend. Jacquees performed a number of fan-favorite hits at the McDonald’s stage as the crowd danced and sung along. Ne-Yo on the other hand took time off from his many appearances to stop by the festival and chop it up with everyone.
While discussing the last VERZUZ battle that brought Mario, Omarion, Ray J, Bobby Valentino, Sammie and Jeremih to the stage, Ne-Yo offered some tips for singers to get ready to perform. Although the VERZUZ was very “entertaining,” Ne-Yo says he’s unsure as to what exactly happened.
“Tea is a very, very, very large and important part of my singing career. I use green tea and honey. That normally works for me,” said the 3-time Grammy winner. That and pineapple juice.”
For Jacquees he adheres to Ne-Yo’s recommendation, but suggests his own methods as well.
“When it’s time (to perform) I like to take a hot shower, to get all the mucus out (of my system),” said the ATL crooner. “I drink throat coat with honey and lemon and chew gum to keep my voice on point. I’m always singing. Whether I’m humming, I always keep my voice ready. I don’t try to yell a lot too. Getting your rest as a singer is like the number one thing, so for all the singers make sure y’all get sleep.”
Both R&B singers are gearing up to drop an album this Summer.
Ne-Yo is set to drop his 8th studio album, Self-Explanatory on July 15th, while Jacquees is gearing up to release an album executive produced by Future.
“It’ll be a cool tutorial for you on what R&B is supposed to sound like,” says Ne-Yo about his album.
Jacquees is calling his project his best album so far as fans await a release date.
Daniella Emilien created Ivy League Academy in order to pass on the knowledge she gained from her personal experience. The former celebrity hair stylist, formerly known as “Hair by Ivy,” has styled several celebrities including City Girls, Paris Hilton, Reginae Carter and more. Her business became extremely lucrative given her quantitative demand and the status of her clients.
“I made a lot of money, but I spent a lot as well because I did not have the education of how to manage it,” said Emilien.
While the cash flow helped to expand her business, it did not equate to the good credit needed to scale both her lifestyle and business. Daniella recalls going to a dealership to purchase a BMW. While she was able to purchase with a downpayment and a lender, her time in the car was short-lived.
“The dealership called me back a week later and told me the bank did not want to move forward because of my credit adversities,” Daniella says. “Although it was embarrassing, I learned that credit speaks volumes.”
Her credit would later improve after doing in-depth research on how to better her credit history.
“Once I learned to leverage credit, I was able to obtain a lot of capital to pay brand ambassadors, invest in inventory and so much more,” said the Florida.
Emilien encourages both business and non-business owners to establish relationships with banks/lenders to build credit. She also adds the development of a team of dedicated individuals helps to scale businesses efficiently.
Daniella Emilien is gearing up to host The Black Wealth Exchange Summit on August 6th. The Black Wealth Exchange Summit is a one-day event curated for black professionals and entrepreneurs. It was created to expand the minds of the Black community while stressing the importance of circulating the Black dollar.
Emilien can be reached at @ivyleagueacademy and encourages a wealth mindset by joining as well. One of her client’s was recently able to close on a home from implementing the credit strategies from the academy.
Jacquees reminded fans at Essence Festival why he’s the self-proclaimed King of R&B when he performed on Day 2 of Essence Fest on the McDonald’s state.
As fans watched the Georgia singer take over the stage, they sung along to a number of his hits songs including, “At the Club,” “My Peace,” “B.E.D,” “You” and more.
“I felt good because my fans showed up,” he says. I know the city of New Orleans loves me, but people travel from all over to come to Essence. The love they showed me got me ready to do more.”
The Cash Money crooner dropped his latest single, “Say Yeah” back in May in preparation for his 3rd album, which he announced he executive produced by Future.
“I got some crazy heavy hitters on the album. I can’t wait for everybody to hear it,” he says. “This is the best Jacquees. People always say, ‘this is my best album,’ but this is really my best album.”
As of now there is no release date, but the 28-year-old singer says the album is slated to drop this Summer.
Until then he plans to keep fans occupied with the release of “Say Yeah,” and some guest appearances. He recently collaborated with Enchanting for her latest release, “What I Want.”
Patti LaBelle dazzled the Essence Festival audience with an unforgettable performing. Dripped in an all-red out, LaBelle took the stage to perform some of her classic hits including “When You Talk About Love,” “Love, Need and Want You and “If Only You Knew.”
One of the many highlights of the night came when LaBelle and her band broke into their rendition of Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg’s “The Next Episode.” In true Patti LaBelle fashion, she even kicked off her shoes and channeled her inner West Coast G-funk with a bounce.
“My song of life is California Love and so I love all that Hip-Hop stuff,” says LaBelle. I’m a balladeer. I love singing ballads and R&B songs, but some of that Hip-Hop stuff just gets in my soul and I had to put that in the show.”
The “New Attitude” legend ended her performance with her all-time fan favorite song, “Lady Marmalade.” She was joined on stage by the effervescent, Debbie Allen, who broke into a dance number that reminded everyone of why she is a legend in her own right. At the end of the day, two legend women were enjoying their time together on stage.
— He’s a Rick Houseeeee (@RickyKavin1213) July 3, 2022
In addition to her performance, LaBelle introduced some new additions to her line of “Patti’s Good Life” food items. Inspired by her grandchildren who love breakfast, LaBelle’s new offerings will include frozen mini pancakes, mini pancake sandwiches stuffed with PB&J or chocolate hazelnut.
Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott headed out for a date night on Monday to Craigs restaurant in West Hollywood.
Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott leaving Craigs restaurant together in West Hollywood last night pic.twitter.com/j2dbjDSjlH
— TRAVIS SCOTT FANPAGE (@dailytrvisxx) July 11, 2022
Of course the night can not be complete without some pictures to capture the moment. Jenner was dripped in an all Black dress with shades and heels to match, in addition to a small glittery purse. For the night, Travis Scott was Jenner’s photographer as she posted his pics of her on IG.
“Not me looking back at all these pics Trav took of me and there’s smoke in all of them,” Jenner said in the caption of the post with eye-rolling, laughing and smoke emojis.
Despite the smokey images, they were approved by her older sister, Khloe Kardashian.
“You are smoking hot. Look at you queen!!!!!” said Khloe.
Even Travis Scott “Love Galore” collaborator, approved the pics as well calling Jenner a “SLIM GOODIE.”
The image carousel conceited of three picture. One even included the couple as Travis Scott gripped Jenner’s waist in a mirror shot.
La Flame made a few appearances recently at Michael Rubin’s July 4th party in addition to a performance at The Day Party at Coney Island last week. Fan anticipate the “Sicko Mode” artist to drop his forthcoming third studio album, Utopia very soon.
Author Esmeralda Baez is gearing up to release her new book Reset & Reboot (Regaining Mindfulness), a short and inspirational self-growth story.
The 90-page, seven-chapter literary work of self-reflecting art highlights the value of detoxing, the importance of visualization, and mastering the skills of self-care and discipline.
In addition to being a Dominican author, Baez is an experienced music executive and businesswoman. Baez is also an entrepreneur, establishing her company, Elite Vision Media, with her work contributing to the legacies of over 50 national and international magazines.
Baez’s star began to skyrocket after crafting successful projects for Nigerian Afro Pop Singer Yemi Alade, Puerto Rican musician JonZ, and more. Her career also led her to produce digital campaigns for retired NFL star Nate Burleson, Chicago rapper G-Herbo and the uber-popular podcast EArn Your Leisure. Baez is currently an impactful contributor to Source Latino, a member of the Recording Academy and Forbes The Culture, and advocates for mental health as a participant in the Mental Health Foundation while supporting UNICEF.
Reset & Reboot will highlight the advantages of focusing on living a life with purpose and what led manifestation to become one of the most potent tools and trends in the mainstream.
Throughout Reset & Reboot, Baez will highlight her journey, infused with personal anecdotes about mental health, overcoming an illness, and her thoughts and experiences with using social media. On a personal level, Baez is an influencer with purpose, as she provides motivational messages on her social media platforms. Baez states her objective for the book is to bring awareness about wellness to the masses while assisting readers in overcoming emotional challenges.
Reset & Reboot from Esmeralda Baez is set for a pre-sale this Friday, July 15. The book’s official launch will be in the second week of August. Reset & Reboot will be available at Barnes & Nobles, Amazon, Target, and Walmart. The Ebook will be available for purchase on apple and iTunes books. Hardcover copies retail at $18.99, and soft covers at $11.99.
(@dailytrvisxx) 
