Culture
Essence Becomes 100 Percent Black-Owned
Essence, Inc. has officially ventured off from TIME Inc. and has been acquired by the founder of Shea Moisture, Richelieu Dennis, making the publication company 100% black-owned. Making it the first time in almost two decades, the announcement was made via Essence Ventures, a company launched last year by Dennis who sealed the deal last Wednesday.
“[W]e are excited to be able to return this culturally relevant and historically significant platform to ownership by the people and the consumers whom it serves, and offer new opportunities for the women leading the business to also be partners in the business,” said Richelieu Dennis.
Created in 1970, Essence is a magazine that dedicates itself solely to African American women. The company sold 49 percent of its shares to TIME, Inc. in 2000 while the remaining 51 percent was sold to the media company in 2005.
“This acquisition of ESSENCE represents the beginning of an exciting transformation of our iconic brand as it evolves to serve the needs and interests of multigenerational Black women around the world in an even more elevated and comprehensive way across print, digital, e-commerce and experiential platforms,” said ESSENCE President Michelle Ebanks. “In addition, it represents a critical recognition, centering and elevation of the Black women running the business from solely a leadership position to a co-ownership position.”
It’s official! Ashanti and Nelly are expecting their first child together.
The songstress confirmed to ESSENCE, saying, “This new year of my life is such a blessing full of love, hope, and anticipation. Motherhood is something that I have looked forward to, and sharing this with my family, fiancé, and loyal fans, who have been so supportive of my career, is an amazing experience.”
In addition to the news, the couple has announced their partnership as co-owners of Proov, alongside founder Amy Beckley, PhD. Proov is a pioneering diagnostics company that offers affordable at-home tests designed to aid couples in their conception journey, providing valuable insights and support without breaking the bank. These medical-grade tests illuminate potential obstacles to conception, empowering individuals on their path to parenthood.
Congratulations to Ashanti who is expecting her first child with Nelly.
— miixtapechiick.com (@MXCKdotCom) April 17, 2024
pic.twitter.com/PHYwVvUB8c
This new addition will mark Ashanti’s first child and Nelly’s third. The “Hot in Herre” rapper is also a father to his adult children, Chanelle, 29, and Cornell Haynes III, 24, from a previous relationship. Nelly also adopted his late sister Jackie Donahue’s children, Shawn and Sydney Thomas, after her passing from leukemia in 2005.
Ashanti shared her pregnancy announcement on Instagram through a heartwarming video that included a moment with her mother, Tina Douglas. In the clip, Ashanti is seen preparing for a show, and her mother, acting as her timekeeper, asks how much time she needs to get ready. After being asked twice, Ashanti emerges from behind the curtains and responds, “I’ma need about nine months,” leaving Tina pleasantly surprised by the joyous news.
NBA YoungBoy, also known as YoungBoy Never Broke Again, has found himself in legal trouble once again as he was apprehended on Tuesday, Apr. 16, in Utah. The charges against him span a range of offenses, from identity fraud and forgery to multiple drug-related charges.
According to records from the Cache County Sheriff’s Office, the charges, which originated from his hometown in Louisiana, include patterns of unlawful activity, attempts to obtain drugs, identity fraud, forgery, possession of controlled substances, and possession of a dangerous weapon. At the time of his arrest, NBA YoungBoy, born Kentrell Gaulden, was under house arrest in Utah.
In October 2022, YoungBoy Never Broke Again was granted bond by Louisiana Chief U.S. District Judge Shelly Dick after being arrested in March 2022. He had been placed in FBI custody due to an outstanding warrant related to drug and weapons charges from a September 2020 arrest in Baton Rouge, where he was filming a music video.
Last month, NBA YoungBoy released his seventh studio project, titled “Compliments Of Gravedigger Mountain,” featuring 13 tracks. Notably, this marks his thirteenth project in the past two years alone.
Gunna has announced the release of his new album, “One of Wun.”
The cover art, created by Calvin Clausell Jr. with creative direction by Spike Jordan of The Genius Club and art direction/design by Tal Midyan, was unveiled to accompany the announcement on socials. While no release date has been specified, the album is now available for pre-order, including physical copies.
The album will be distributed by Young Stoner Records/300 Entertainment.
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