So when i got the news that my wife was being fired—my first question was obviously why!? Iam still waiting on a good answer to that question. But if anyone knows @itsgabrielleu or have heard of her you know she’s an advocate for our community and culture.

— DWade (@DwyaneWade) November 27, 2019

Season 14 of America’s Got Talent ran from May to September of this year, crowning Kodi Lee as its winner. Terry Crews was introduced as this seasons new permanent host, as well as the addition of Julianne Hough and Gabrielle Union as judges joining Simon Cowell and Howie Mandel at the judges table. The two replaced longtime judges Melanie Brown (Spice Girls) and model-host Heidi Klum.

On November 22nd multiple sources confirmed that Gabrielle Union & Julianne Hough would not be returning to the judges chair on their NBC hit show. According to reports from LoveBScott, the firing came as a result of Gabrielle Union speaking up about ‘problematic’ situations, including racism, sexism, and more.

A source from NBC told the outlet the following about Union’s reported firing:

“[Gabrielle’s] contract was not renewed after being the #1 talent on the show, NBC and network TV. She set the record for her Golden Buzzer. They only replace the women and blacks at Simon’s whim. She wouldn’t walk away from $12 million because she’s ‘busy.’ Based on weekly interactions on social media, by the time AGT finale aired Gabrielle was the #1 talent on network TV for 2019. Why not pick up someone’s option in extreme success?”

The source also alleges that the firing had nothing to do with either judge’s popularity–because both received more interactions than Howie Mandel, who still has a job.

“Social media engagement is the new measuring stick for talent and Simon isn’t on social media. Juliane and Gabrielle were both way higher ranked/engaged than Howie. The idea the network wants to ‘switch things up’ only applies to women and Black folks. Nick Cannon wasn’t crazy. He walked away from 8-figures over how [AGT] operates.”

Nick Cannon quit “America’s Got Talent” in 2017 after hosting 8 seasons. after being “threatened with termination by executives” over a joke he made about NBC on a Showtime comedy special.

“I was to be punished for a joke … My soul won’t allow me to be in business with corporations that attempt to frown on freedom of speech, censor artists, and question cultural choices. Not to get too detailed but this isn’t the first time executives have attempted to ‘put me in my place’ for so-called unruly actions,” he wrote on Facebook. “I will not stand for it. My moral principles will easily walk away from the millions of dollars they hang over my head.”

Issa Rae has launched a new business venture, “Raedio”, a record label in partnership with Atlantic Records.

“Music has always been an essential part of every project I do and working with emerging talent is a personal passion,” — Variety

The writer, director, producer, and now music executive took to Instagram to announce the first artist signed to Raedio, Teamarrr

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Beyond excited to present the first amazingly talented artist from my new label RAEDIO, TeaMarrr (@imaliltcup)! Check out her song and video, "Kinda Love" on all streaming platforms now! (@theraedio)

A post shared by Issa Rae (@issarae) on Oct 18, 2019 at 8:06am PDT

Atlantic Records Chairman & COO Julie Greenwald said in a statement, “Issa Rae is a next-level, future-thinking creative force who’s been breaking down cultural barriers and conquering one field after another. She’s made music a central character in her artistic evolution, and now she’s brought all that amazing passion, inspiration, and taste to the formation of Raedio. We’re thrilled to be partnering with Issa and her team on this exciting new venture, and TeaMarrr is the perfect artist to launch with.” 

The ratchtastic #Raedio journey, as told by Issa Rae. pic.twitter.com/5BvYbhwBfO

— The Raedio (@TheRaedio) October 21, 2019

Issa Rae plans to service emerging artists and creators at the highest level. Raedio will provide music supervision for Issa Rae’s HBO show, ‘A Black Lady Sketch Show’ as well as other upcoming studio projects.

“Raedio allows me to continue that work within the music industry and audio entertainment space. The Atlantic Records team are innovators in terms of shifting and shaping culture. I’m excited to join forces with them to discover new artists.”⁣

According to TMZ, Suge Knight has trusted Ray J with his life rights provided that Ray J makes lucrative financial decisions on behalf of his name while he is in prison. Suge Knight was sentenced to 28 years in prison last year with credit for time already served. He ran over 2 men, killing record label owner Terry Kennedy leaving a Tam’s Burgers in Compton where Dr. Dre was filming footage for the 2015 NWA biopic ‘Straight Outta Compton’.

So Ray J is Brandy’s little brother. Grew up w/ Snoop, Big, Tupac, & Suge. Is a Blood. Dated Whitney Houston. Made Kim K famous. Had several bops. Pushed Princess in the pool, then married her. Made Scooty-Bike a million dollar company. Owns Suge’s life rights. And he’s only 38..

— cam 🌸 (@andimcam) October 21, 2019

Ray J apparently already has plans with the new venture, reportedly shopping around new projects including documentaries about Suge Knight, Death Row, and a Tupac biopic. He potentially could even bring back Death Row Records if the right investors came along.

This is another lucrative investment for Ray J who already has successful business ventures in music, motorized scooters, headphones, and cannabis. His cannabis business negotiated a healthy $1 million deal back in August

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When you tell someone they can buy a home with 5% down and avoid mortgage insurance. 🏡👓👀 #saywhat #ohreally #nomortgageinsurance #nomi #mi #pmi #1sttimehomebuyer #1sttimehomebuyers #firsttimehomebuyer #firsttimehomebuyers #homebuyers #homebuyer #realtor #loanofficer #loanbroker #mortgagebroker #charlamagnethagod #thebreakfastclub #rayjglasses #realestate

A post shared by Chris Borunda (@chrisbthebroker) on Dec 20, 2018 at 1:13pm PST