Last night, Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum recording artist and New York Times best-selling author Jay “Jeezy” Jenkins hosted the highly anticipated 4th Annual Sno Ball Gala, an unforgettable evening that combined elegance, entertainment, and philanthropy. This exclusive, invite-only event gathered a star-studded lineup of celebrities and influential leaders, all coming together to support Jeezy‘s Street Dreamz Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering underserved youth.
In a heartwarming moment, Jeezy made his first red carpet appearance alongside his oldest daughter, Amra, marking their debut together at the event and adding a special, personal touch to the evening’s celebrations. Among the evening’s high-profile attendees were Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, comedian Mike Epps, rapper T.I., and many more.
The event, held at a private venue, featured an array of luxurious experiences —from gourmet dining to a thrilling live auction. Guests had the chance to bid on exclusive, high-end items, with all proceeds going directly to Street Dreamz Foundation’s initiatives in education, entrepreneurship, and community development for at-risk youth. Comedian Mike Epps had the crowd roaring with laughter as the gala’s master of ceremonies, while DJ Cassidy kept the energy high with a mix of crowd-pleasing hits that had attendees dancing into the early hours.
The night’s real success came from the funds raised, which will further the foundation’s mission to uplift the next generation of leaders. Reflecting on the event, Jeezy stated, “The Sno Ball Gala is about more than just a great night—it’s about creating real change. I’m grateful to everyone who came out, contributed, and helped make this event impactful. Together, we’re giving our youth the tools to succeed and thrive.”
As the 2024 Sno Ball Gala wraps, it solidifies Jeezy’s legacy—not just as a music icon and author, but as a philanthropist devoted to making lasting, positive change in his community.
Snoop Dogg has been a trailblazer since his debut album Doggystyle hit the charts, and his laid-back persona, distinctive rap style, and business savvy have solidified him as one of the most recognized rappers in the world. But Snoop isn’t just a music legend—he’s built a successful empire through creative endorsements and partnerships, aligning with his authentic, larger-than-life personality. One of the most enduring and surprising collaborations in his portfolio is with none other than lifestyle icon Martha Stewart.
Journalist Courtney Brown recently caught up with Snoop Dogg where they discussed his latest collaboration with Stewart: the launch of the “Hold the Phone” Case by BIC EZ Reach Lighters. Just in time for the holiday season, this new venture continues to showcase the playful chemistry between the two while offering a product that’s as stylish as it is practical.
The “Hold the Phone” Case: Where Style Meets Functionality
The limited-edition “Hold the Phone” Case is BIC’s latest release, designed for iPhone 15 users who want to keep their phones—and their favorite BIC EZ Reach Lighter—close at hand. Priced at $49.99, the phone case comes with two custom lighters, each reflecting Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart’s distinct personalities and signature designs. It’s a fun yet functional way to ensure you’ve got your lighter within reach at all times, whether for lighting candles or sparking up the grill.
Snoop shared his inspiration behind this collaboration: “Martha and I know how to kick it and have a good time, so whenever we get the chance to link up and work together, I’m all in. If you haven’t peeped my BIC EZ Reach Lighter series yet, you better slide through and check them out. They’re a vibe and the ‘Hold the Phone’ Case was inspired by my BIC EZ Reach designs.”
This isn’t the first time Snoop and Martha have teamed up with BIC EZ Reach Lighters. The duo has been collaborating for years, turning ordinary items into must-have accessories by adding their unique flair. Snoop emphasized that, for him, it’s always about balancing style with utility: “I always like to keep it fly, but I also need to keep it functional too. That’s something Martha and I have always connected on – why settle when you can have both style and functionality? That’s exactly what the ‘Hold the Phone’ Case by BIC EZ Reach brings to the table.”
The Dynamic Duo’s Chemistry
Snoop and Martha’s unlikely friendship has long been a source of fascination and joy for fans. Their collaborations—from cooking shows to product lines—highlight their easygoing chemistry and mutual respect. With the “Hold the Phone” Case, BIC continues to tap into this dynamic, blending both Snoop’s cool factor and Martha’s impeccable sense of style.
“We enjoy working together. It’s real and genuine,” Snoop said. “We keep coming back because it’s enjoyable to do this all as a team.”
Jeany Mui, Marketing Director at BIC Flame for Life, echoed this sentiment, expressing excitement about the latest collaboration: “The ‘Hold the Phone’ Cases by BIC EZ Reach Lighters is another fun and playful idea celebrating our longstanding partnership with Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg. Their chemistry continues to inspire trendy and practical accessories, and we’re thrilled to launch another must-have ahead of the holiday season.”
The Perfect Blend of Practicality and Fun
Martha Stewart also shared her enthusiasm for the partnership, noting how it brings a touch of flair to an everyday essential. “I keep one of my own BIC EZ Reach Lighter designs in nearly every room of my home, and with the launch of our ‘Hold the Phone’ by Case by BIC EZ Reach Lighters, I can easily bring my favorite lighters with me on-the-go. Why not make your everyday items fashionable too?”
With its 1.45-inch extended wand, the BIC EZ Reach Lighter is perfect for those hard-to-reach places, offering both ease and safety. And with the “Hold the Phone” Case, you’ll never have to worry about misplacing your lighter again.
A Must-Have for the Holidays
Starting Friday, October 4, consumers can head to BIC’s website to purchase the limited-edition iPhone 15-compatible* Martha Stewart or Snoop Dogg-themed “Hold the Phone” Cases. Each case, priced at $49.99, comes with two BIC EZ Reach Lighters and is available while supplies last. With the holiday season just around the corner, this collaboration is sure to be a hit, combining convenience, creativity, and a whole lot of personality.
Snoop Dogg’s ability to continually reinvent himself through partnerships like this one is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit. From his iconic debut album to collaborations that span industries, Snoop remains a model for artists and creatives looking to merge authenticity with innovation. Whether it’s his music, his culinary ventures, or his work with BIC, Snoop Dogg’s impact goes far beyond the mic. And as long as there are opportunities to innovate, he’ll be there, lighting the way—sometimes literally.
Legendary Music Mogul Jermaine Dupri Presents ASoSo R&B Experience, an unforgettable night of R&B music on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at Wolf Creek Amphitheater in Atlanta, Georgia. The star-studded lineup features live performances from today’s hottest R&B artists including Muni Long, DVSN, Eric Bellinger, Vedo, and Jermaine Dupri himself with special surprise guests and a “Ladies Love R&B” presentation from songwriters and producers Bryan-Michael Cox and Keith Thomas rounding out the evening.
“R&B music is making a huge comeback, and I wanted to put together a show to celebrate that,” said Jermaine Dupri, music legend and CEO of SoSo Def Recordings. “A SoSo R&B Experience is going to be an amazing night of intimate performances and collaborations from some of the genre’s brightest stars.”
As founder of SoSo Def Recordings, Jermaine Dupri, a Grammy Award winner, has worked with and developed many of music’s biggest stars including Mariah Carey, Usher, TLC, Xscape, and more. His imprint, SoSo Def, has been instrumental in launching the careers of artists like Jagged Edge, Bow Wow, Kris Kross, and Anthony Hamilton. His ability to stay connected to the cultural zeigiest is why he continues to remain relevant and develop new talent which is evident with the recent success of Ari Lennox’s “Pressure” becoming her highest charting solo single and Muni Long’s global and viral smash “Made for Me.”
Tickets for the SoSo R&B Experience are on sale now at VarietyEnt.net. starting at $55 and gates open at 3 p.m. with the show starting at 5 p.m. Don’t miss your chance to experience an unforgettable night of R&B music from some of the genre’s hottest stars and today’s reigning hitmakers. For more information, visit VarietyEnt.net.
A SoSo Def R&B Experience arrives on the heels of Jermaine Dupri announcing an exciting, new SoSo Def Internship in partnership with Emory University. Dupri made the announcement during the keynote session of the inaugural Ideas Festival on Sept. 20.
On Saturday, September 28, the prestigious global breaking competition (known as breakdancing), Red Bull BC One, concluded its 2024 U.S. season with its Cypher USA held in Los Angeles.
For the first time in Red Bull BC One history, Venice Beach set the stage as breakers from across the country—both legends and rising stars—gathered to leave their mark on the nation’s most distinguished breaking competition. B-boys and b-girls were judged by a panel of elite breakers: Olympic Gold Medalist Ami Yuasa (B-Girl Ami), Olympian Lee-Lou Demierre (B-Boy Lee) from the renowned crew The Ruggeds, legendary B-Girl and former Team USA coach Bonita Saldana (B-Girl Bonita), and East LA native Ronnie Ruen (B-Boy Ruen), who determined who would go on to claim the coveted Red Bull BC One Championship titles. The competition followed two regional cyphers in Denver and Philadelphia.
Following breaking’s debut on the world’s biggest sporting stage, the event delivered an authentic, real, and raw representation of breaking culture. Against the stunning Pacific Ocean backdrop, 2700 attendees crowded the boardwalk as regional champions and wildcard invitees faced off in a high-energy, 16-bracket knockout tournament, showcasing the creativity, explosiveness, and joy that define world-class breaking.
After a fierce final battle, B-Girl La Vix claimed victory over A+. In the b-boy bracket, Icey-Ives triumphed, beating out Hijack in the final round.
Both La Vix and Icey Ives will represent the United States at the 21st edition of the Red Bull BC One World Final in the vibrant heart of Rio de Janeiro, where they will have a chance to etch their names in breaking history.
At the event, two-time Red Bull BC One World Champion and Olympic medalist B-Boy Victor (Victor Montalvo) was surprised with a Certificate of Recognition by the City of Los Angeles and the 11th Council District. The honor was presented on stage by Juan Fregoso on behalf of Los Angeles City Councilmember, Traci Park, for his career accomplishments.
Leading up to the National Final, the Los Angeles community came together for the Red Bull BC One Camp USA, featuring three days of workshops, exhibition battles, panels, and activities. The lineup included an immersive hip-hop dance workshop, a Footwoorkerz battle, and an epic 2v2 mixed-style showdown featuring both breaking and popping.
With a legacy that spans over two decades, Red Bull has been involved in the breaking community since the start. It all began with the trailblazing Lords of the Floor, a competition resurrected this year ahead of breaking’s debut on the global sporting stage. Today, Red Bull BC One stands as the premier platform for competition, mentorship, cyphers, community jams, and programming—continuing to nurture the art form and support its community as they evolve and push new boundaries.
Grammy and Emmy award-winning and Oscar-nominated, “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul,” Mary J. Blige announced her 2025 “The For My Fans Tour” with special guests NE-YOand Mario. The tour comes on the heels of her new album “Gratitude,” releasing on November 15. The tour and album are a celebration of the love and gratitude that Mary has towards her life, family, friends, and her beloved fans.
Produced by Live Nation, the 27-city tour kicks off on January 30 at Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, NC making stops across North America in Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York, and more before wrapping up in Boston, MA at TD Garden on April 14.
“I am so excited to kick off this tour. I have amazing fans and am so grateful for all of the love and support they have given me throughout the years,”said Mary J. Blige.“This tour is for them, and I cannot wait to be able to travel to all these cities and see everyone. I am in such a place of immense gratitude and peace at this moment, so also having the chance to release my new album “Gratitude” on November 15th ahead of this tour is really special to me.”
Blige will release her new studio album, “Gratitude,” on Friday, November 15th, through her own Beautiful Life Productions and in partnership with 300 Entertainment. In August, she dropped the first single off the album, “Breathing” featuring Fabolous.
Ahead of both the album release and tour, Blige will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the rest of the class of 2024 on October 19th in Cleveland.
MARY J. BLIGE – THE FOR MY FANS TOUR 2025 DATES: Thu Jan 30 – Greensboro, NC – Greensboro Coliseum Fri Jan 31 – Raleigh, NC – Lenovo Center Mon Feb 03 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena Thu Feb 06 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center Sat Feb 08 – Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena Tue Feb 11 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live Fri Feb 14 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center Tue Feb 18 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center Fri Feb 21 – Ft. Worth, TX – Dickies Arena Tue Feb 25 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena Sat Mar 01 – Los Angeles, CA – Intuit Dome Fri Mar 07 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center Sat Mar 08 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center Wed Mar 12 – St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center Fri Mar 14 – Chicago, IL – United Center Sun Mar 16 – St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center Wed Mar 19 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena Sat Mar 22 – Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center Mon Mar 24 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena Wed Mar 26 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena Fri Mar 28 – Atlantic City, NJ – Boardwalk Hall Wed Apr 02 – Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena Fri Apr 04 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena Sun Apr 06 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center Thu Apr 10 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden Fri Apr 11 – Elmont, NY – UBS Arena Mon Apr 14 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
Despite all the so called ambiguity around Drake post rap beef and all that jazz, his brand seems to still moving forward. Specifically, Drizzy’s clothing brand, October’s Very Own (OVO), just dropped a collaboration with Yale University for a limited-edition merchandise collection. Where can you find it? Well, it’s out now and available both in-store at the Yale Bookstore and online at the OVO website.
Get this, the collection includes four items, with the “Campus Varsity Jacket” being the priciest at $678, while the “Campus T-shirt” and “Campus Sportcap” are priced at $68 each.
Not too bad. Just depends on your tastes when it comes to these type of capsule collections.
Here’s what Deron Michael, general merchandising manager at the Yale Bookstore, said about the collection, breaking down how it caters to a youthful, urban aesthetic: “Drake is all about hip-hop, and the kids love hip-hop, so it’s really catering to the aesthetic that the kids are looking for: oversized, urban flare, eye-catchy.” The collaboration was made possible through Barnes and Noble College, which operates the Yale Bookstore.
Now despite the high price tag, although we doubt most Yale students are worried about that part, Michael noted the collection’s growing popularity since its launch on September 20, stating, “Like any other expensive brands we have as well, nothing goes off the shelves, but it’s catching eyes, and the pieces that he created are eye-catching and really nice.” The bookstore has already sold one jacket, several hoodies, and a few shirts.
A key component to making this happen was a green light from Yale’s department of marketing and trademark licensing. They approved the use of the Yale logo for the OVO collection, according to Paul Murawski, director of the department. The collection marks a significant collaboration between the Ivy League school and a popular cultural brand, following Drake’s previous mention of Yale in his 2011 track “Make Me Proud.”
Interestingly, Matt Letourneau, a Yale student and campus manager for Fresh Prints, believes the collection will appeal more to alumni than students, due to its high price point. He noted, “I think that it’s good for Yale’s brand to appeal to pop culture like that. I think it’s a smart step for Yale because it offers a reputable designer that they know people are going to like here at school.”
Oh but wait, Yale isn’t the only higher education to benefit from the collab with OVO. In addition to Yale, OVO has released similar collections for Stanford, the University of Cambridge, the University of Toronto, and the University of Western Ontario. While Barnes and Noble is facilitating the sale of OVO merchandise at Yale, other schools have received apparel from Travis Scott’s “Jack Goes Back to College” collection, which was released earlier this year. However, Scott’s collection, which includes a wider range of items, did not feature any Ivy League schools.
As you can expect, OVO’s “Campus Varsity Jacket” and “Campus Fleece Hoodie” from the University of Western Ontario collection have already sold out online, reflecting strong demand for the brand’s university-themed collaborations.
Looks like it’s business as usual for OVO and feels like they’re winning on this front.
Cedric Hudson, VP of Men’s Design at Fabletics, is a visionary in the fashion world, driving innovative design with a bold mission to fuse function, style, and purpose. Based in Los Angeles, Hudson has an impressive background that includes collaborations with Adidas, Reebok, and the iconic YEEZY line by Kanye West. As the creative force behind Fabletics’ men’s designs, Hudson’s latest achievement—the meticulously craftedDon Pant—redefines what modern athletic wear can be.
In an exclusive interview, Hudson opened up about his personal design philosophy, his creative journey, and how The Don Pant represents a new era for both Fabletics and everyday menswear.
Cedric Hudson
From Vision to Reality: The Creation of The Don Pant
Hudson’s career is built on pushing boundaries, a trait that guided him while creating The Don Pant. When asked about his inspiration behind the project, Hudson explained, “There are some good pants out there, but not great. The main component of these garments, the fabric, was not accomplishing enough for the wearer. So, we set out to rectify that.”
The journey to create The Don Pant was a three-year process, driven by the desire to craft a garment that would perform at a high level while maintaining a refined aesthetic. Hudson’s team built the fabric from the ground up, emphasizing both versatility and function. “We knew we wanted this fabric to not just look refined but perform at a high level, which is part of the activewear roots of Fabletics.”
Empowering the Dreamers and Hustlers
Hudson’s designs have always been more than just clothing—they’re a mindset. The Don Pant was developed with this philosophy in mind, catering to individuals with ambition and drive. As Hudson put it, the design is made for “shot-callers, hustlers, and dreamers.” He further elaborates, “When you are truly tapped in and focused on whatever goal you are trying to achieve, the last sensation you want to feel is of being slowed down or held back.”
The water-repellent fabric is just one of the elements that ensures ease of transition from work to play. For Hudson, it’s all about empowering the wearer. “A minor spill during the movement of my day won’t stop me in my tracks,” he said, underscoring how the design meets the demands of a busy, ambitious lifestyle.
Collaboration at the Heart of Design
For Hudson, The Don Pant is more than just a piece of clothing—it’s a symbol of teamwork and community. After three years of development, Hudson reflects on how collaborative design played a crucial role in bringing this garment to life. He credits his team, including fabric developer Margaret Dunne and tech designer Albert La Coria, as instrumental in shaping the final product. “This pant represents community and the power of collaborative design,” Hudson shared, expressing deep gratitude for his colleagues.
His emotional connection to teamwork, particularly in the design world, shines through. “You can feel the magic happening, and I believe that only really occurs when participating in team-oriented design arenas,” Hudson explained, revealing the joy he finds in working alongside like-minded creatives.
Pushing the Boundaries of Modern Menswear
Hudson’s work on The Don Pant pushed him to rethink the boundaries of modern menswear. He spoke candidly about the challenges and discoveries that arose during the creative process. “With any creative endeavor, there is always an amount of beautiful discovery that happens, and you just have to be paying attention to recognize it and act upon it,” he said.
The project offered multiple “ah-ha!” moments, which Hudson and his team embraced. These discoveries not only shaped the pant itself but also opened new avenues for future designs. “We are excited to continue to expound, not only on how he and she dresses, but also how they experience the garments,” he added, hinting at what’s to come from Fabletics under his creative direction.
Beyond Fashion: A Holistic Approach to Design
Hudson’s approach to design extends far beyond fashion. He is also the founder of Contemporary Athletics, a brand and storytelling vessel that uses design to provoke dialogue. His creativity spans multiple disciplines, including furniture design. His award-winning Greensboro Chair, crafted to honor the 1960 sit-in protests, merges design, history, and social justice in a way that’s deeply personal.
Whether it’s designing game-changing athletic wear or paying homage to significant moments in history, Cedric Hudson’s work is driven by a desire to make a difference. His commitment to innovation and community ensures that his designs speak to more than just fashion—they tell a story, connect people, and reflect a dedication to purposeful creativity.
As for what’s next? Hudson is ready to continue shaping the future of fashion with an eye on both form and function. With The Don Pant now a flagship piece in Fabletics’ collection, it’s clear that Cedric Hudson’s vision is one that will keep evolving, influencing, and inspiring the next generation of dreamers.
Stevie Wonder announces today that he will be playing select dates in October, at the height of a critical election season and a pivotal juncture in American politics and culture, in a call for “joy over anger, kindness over recrimination, peace over war.” The 25-time GRAMMY winner – whose other accolades include an Academy Award, and a Presidential Medal of Freedom among countless other honors – will do ten performances across the nation this October.
As a special thank you, Stevie Wonder will be offering a designated amount of complimentary tickets to those in our communities who are already working tirelessly to fix our nation’s broken heart.
The performances, titled “Sing Your Song! As We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart,” are produced by Wonder Productions and promoted by AEG Presents in partnership with Free Lunch, begin Tuesday, October 8 at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA, with stops in New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Greensboro, Atlanta, Detroit, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis before concluding Wednesday, October 30 at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, MI.
“Sing Your Song! As We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart” Dates
Founded by Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings of Earn Your Leisure with Matthew Garland, Invest Fest 2024, dubbed “the Super Bowl for entrepreneurs,” concluded a record-breaking weekend, leaving an indelible mark on the 20,000+ attendees who gathered to gain financial literacy and network with some of the most influential figures in business, finance, entertainment, and culture. From transformative AI tools provided by Microsoft to powerful conversations with industry leaders across every genre, this year’s event redefined the intersection of business and culture.
VIP Night: Industry Giants, Intimate Conversations, and Unforgettable Performances: The weekend kicked off with a VIP night that set an unforgettable tone for the festival. Guests were treated to engaging conversations with T.I. and Shannon Sharpe, followed by a breathtaking performance by Monica that concluded with a surprise drone show, mesmerizing the crowd and went viral all over social media. Cocktails flowed, courtesy of ASAP Rocky’s Mercer + Prince, making the evening one of the most talked-about events. Bacardi and Grey Goose sponsored an intimate dinner the night before VIP night hosted by Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings of Earn Your Leisure at Prime on Peachtree.
Marketplace Magic: Celebrity engagement and support for local businesses Invest Fest’s vendor marketplace was a hive of activity, featuring local and national businesses showcasing their products. Industry leaders like 50 Cent and Wyclef Jean were spotted interacting with vendors and attendees, highlighting the importance of celebrity support in elevating community-based enterprises. Negril and Slutty Vegan food trucks were among the crowd favorites, serving up local flavors and drawing attention to Atlanta’s vibrant food scene.
A Standout Moment, The $100K Pitch Competition with Microsoft and Continuing Nipsey Hussle’s Legacy: One of the weekend’s standout moments was the $100,000 pitch competition, presented by Earn Your Leisure, Microsoft, and The Nipsey Hussle Foundation. Microsoft didn’t just stop at financial support; they empowered all finalists with cutting-edge AI tools designed to help entrepreneurs scale their businesses, even if they didn’t win the grand prize. Copilot was showcased as an essential tool for streamlining operations, enhancing decision-making, and driving growth; which are vital for minority entrepreneurs in today’s competitive market.
The Pitch competition, which attracted widespread attention, culminated with a local entrepreneur winning the grand prize for her innovative business idea that resonated deeply with both the judges and the audience. Adding to the significance of this moment, a life-size wax figure of Nipsey Hussle was unveiled during the event, serving as a powerful tribute to his enduring legacy.
This competition is more than just a financial award; it is a continuation of Nipsey Hussle’s enduring legacy—a legacy rooted in empowering Black and Brown communities to achieve financial independence and create lasting change within their own neighborhoods. This initiative is a direct reflection of Nipsey’s vision to foster economic growth and shift the narrative within underserved communities. Please click here for official Microsoft partnership release.
Groundbreaking Industry Conversations: Real Estate, AI, and Business Innovation Saturday’s sessions were nothing short of transformative. Don Peebles, a billionaire real estate developer, delivered a compelling talk on the importance of Black and Brown communities getting involved in real estate to shape their own narratives. His insights on wealth-building and community empowerment set the tone for a day filled with impactful discussions.
AI’s potential was further explored in a panel led by Van Jones, Wyclef Jean, and Will Lucas, who discussed how AI can be harnessed to improve life and business in minority communities. Will.i.am unveiled his new AI tool, a groundbreaking innovation in music and technology, giving Invest Fest attendees an exclusive first look at a product that’s poised to revolutionize the industry.
Industry Leaders Share Unmatched Insights: A Festival of Wisdom and Inspiration Sunday continued the momentum with powerful sessions led by some of the most respected names in business and entertainment. Stephen A. Smith and Steve Harvey kicked off the day with a discussion on success, opportunity, and the art of making impactful first impressions—insights that resonated deeply with the audience and set social media abuzz with key takeaways.
Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson took the stage to share lessons from his diverse business ventures, drawing from personal experiences and the wisdom imparted by his grandfather. His candid and humorous storytelling captivated the audience, particularly his strategic insights on investing in Shreveport, Louisiana—a city he plans to help transform through industry and entertainment.
The festival concluded with a high-energy conversation between Damond John and Terrence J, focusing on smart decision-making and the tools necessary to scale and sustain a successful business. Tyrese and Kenny Burns wrapped up the weekend with an engaging dialogue that left attendees inspired and eager to take on new challenges.
In addition to the headline speakers, Invest Fest 2024 featured a powerhouse lineup of industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs who shared invaluable expertise with attendees. Pinky Cole, Ian “The Master Invest” Dunplap, Jim Jones, Dr. Bernice A. King, Erika Pittman, Romaine Bostick, Mandii B, Arian Simone, Ray Daniels and more led insightful discussions on a variety of topics, ranging from scaling businesses and harnessing AI, to leveraging media and entertainment for entrepreneurial success. These conversations provided attendees with actionable strategies to help them make informed decisions for the growth and sustainability of their own businesses. Every session was designed to equip minority entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate today’s competitive business landscape, furthering the mission of empowering the Black and Brown communities to build lasting wealth and economic independence.
This Fall, AG Touring and Mammoth, Inc. proudly present the Rod Wave – Last Lap Tour. This large-scale multi-city outing will feature Rod Wave headlining 36 of North America’s top arenas coast-to-coast.
The tour will kick off on October 19 at Desert Diamond Arena in Phoenix, AZ visiting major markets across the country with special guests Moneybagg Yo, Toosii, Lil Poppa, Dess Dior and Eelmatic. The full tour schedule is below. The public on sale starts Friday, September 6 at 10:00am local time. For all information regarding the tour and to purchase tickets, please visit https://official-rodwave.com/.
Rod Wave – Last Lap Tour Dates
Saturday, October 19 Phoenix, AZ Desert Diamond Arena Sunday, October 20 Inglewood, CA Intuit Dome Monday, October 21 Oakland, CA Oakland Arena Friday, October 25 Sacramento, CA Golden 1 Center Wednesday, October 30 San Antonio, TX Frost Bank Center Thursday, October 31 Houston, TX Toyota Center Friday, November 1 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center Sunday, November 3 Denver, CO Ball Arena Tuesday, November 5 Kansas City, MO T-Mobile Center Wednesday, November 6 Oklahoma City, OK Paycom Center Friday, November 8 St. Louis, MO Enterprise Center Saturday, November 9 Memphis, TN FedEx Forum Sunday, November 10 Lexington, KY Rupp Arena Tuesday, November 12 Pittsburgh, PA PPG Paints Arena Wednesday, November 13 Detroit, MI Little Caesars Arena Friday. November 15 Minneapolis, MN Xcel Energy Center Saturday, November 16 Milwaukee, WI Fiserv Forum Monday, November 18 Chicago, IL United Center Wednesday, November 20 Columbus, OH Nationwide Arena Wednesday, November 21 Indianapolis, IN Gainbridge Fieldhouse Saturday, November 23 Boston, MA TD Garden Sunday, November 24 Washington, DC Capital One Arena Tuesday, November 26 Raleigh, NC PNC Arena Friday, November 29 Baltimore, MD CFG Bank Arena Saturday, November 30 Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center Monday, December 2 New York, NY UBS Arena Tuesday, December 3 Newark, NJ Prudential Center Thursday, December 5 Atlanta, GA State Farm Arena Friday, December 6 Columbia, SC Colonial Life Arena Sunday, December 8 Charlotte, NC Spectrum Center Monday, December 9 Nashville, TN Bridgestone Arena Tuesday, December 10 Birmingham, AL Legacy Arena Monday, December 16 Jacksonville, FL Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena Tuesday, December 17 Orlando, FL Kia Center Wednesday, December 18 Ft. Lauderdale, FL Amerant Bank Arena
