Many who grew up in the 80s and 90s are quick to associate the nostalgia of heading back to school with the bright and cheery supplies designed by Lisa Frank. The notoriously private artist is best known for crafting lunchboxes, stickers, toys and trapper keepers covered in dolphins, unicorns, pandas and other adorable critters that decorated classrooms for decades. Before she rose to fame, Frank grew up in Michigan’s Bloomfield Hills (one of America’s wealthiest cities ), the daughter of a higher-up in the automotive industry who supported her creative pursuits. “ My dad was an art collector, my mom had a little kiln in our basement and we would make pottery. I think from about age five on, they sent me to art classes, and I was a huge colorer. HUGE. I think to keep me quiet, they would bring the coloring books and crayons, and I would fill up the books,” Frank told Urban Outfitters in a rare interview. She went on to attend Cranbrook Kingswood School with Mitt Romney, then headed...

Beyoncé’s influence is undeniable. Spotify has finally released Spotify Wrapped 2024, revealing that the music icon inspired over 36 million people to listen to country music for the first time this year. Beyoncé released “Cowboy Carter” on March 29, 2024, in collaboration with Parkwood Entertainment and Columbia Records, according to AFROTECH™ . The album’s 27-song track list includes “ Blackbiird ,” “16 Carriages,” “Jolene,” and “Levii’s Jeans.” While creating the album, Beyoncé noted that in the rising age of artificial intelligence (AI), she wanted to focus on authentic sounds, as reported by AFROTECH™ . She made good use of various instruments, such as the accordion, harmonica, washboard, acoustic guitar, pedal steel guitar, mandolin, fiddle, tack piano, banjo, and her fingernails as percussion. On its release day, Spotify announced on X that the album was the most streamed on the platform in a single day in 2024, marking the first time a country album held this distinction...

The Forbes Union has walked out after publishing the company’s annual “30 Under 30” list. The list’s Class of 2025 features individuals across industries such as sports, entertainment, energy and green tech, artificial intelligence, food and drink, venture capital, marketing and advertising, science, and gaming, among others. Boston Celtics player Jayson Tatum, country artist Shaboozey , actress Ryan Destiny, Miss EmpowHer founder Caitlyn Kumi, and Foundry Technologies founder Jared Quincy Davis are some of the individuals listed. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Forbes (@forbes)   A total of 600 individuals are featured, collectively contributing $3.6 billion in funding and amassing over 300 million followers across social media, Forbes states. Unsurprisingly, the list generates significant buzz and excitement among readers. It’s precisely for these reasons that editorial staffers made a calculated decision to stage a walkout, drawing attention to a three-year-long...

If you grew up watching classic sitcoms of the 1980s and 1990s, you’re surely already aware of Jaleel White. The former child star, best known for his breakout role as Steve Urkel on the ABC series “Family Matters ,” has grown to become a veritable superstar since he got his big break over 30 years ago. Those looking to find White in something a little more modern should tune into the Disney+ original series, “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew,” which premiered on Dec. 2. The show, which has already amassed tons of positive reviews from critics and general audiences alike, sees the beloved entertainer fighting against the forces of intergalactic evil in a galaxy far, far away, alongside the likes of Jude Law, Nick Frost and Tunde Adebimpe. Since Jaleel White has been all over newsfeeds lately, many fans have begun to wonder just how well the actor has saved his sitcom salary and diversified his financial portfolio. Luckily, we’ve got you covered, with a comprehensive guide to Jaleel’s life,...

24-year-old actress Yara Shahidi felt protected when she entered the entertainment industry. At just 6 weeks old, she landed a photo shoot gig for a life insurance company, and by 6 years old, she had her first movie audition. In an interview with SoFi, led by Vivian Tu of Your Rich BFF, the actress reflected on her experience, noting that she was able to enjoy acting as a craft rather than as a means to support her family — a privilege she acknowledges isn’t always afforded to child stars. “My parents were able to set it up so that we had either family members or people that were helping us that were on set with another brother that were looking after me where they were able to dip out and do things for themselves,” she told SoFi. “So it was under that environment where I was able to have a fulfilling career at a young age and even be in my 20s, and say I’m happy I started that young. But it was so particular to being under those set of circumstances, which allowed me to enjoy...

Keke Palmer has no regrets about being the breadwinner for her family. As previously reported by AFROTECH™, Palmer earned her first $1 million at just 12 years old as a child actress . At that time, her parents, Sharon and Larry, also hired a business manager to help oversee her finances. “They wanted me to know that they weren’t the ones controlling my money. They had heard these stories, and my mom said ‘I don’t want money to come in between me and my child,'” Palmer said on the “Club Shay Shay” podcast. Her parents would remain her backbone as she found her footing in Hollywood. Her early acting footprint included roles in “Barbershop 2: Back in Business”, “Akeelah and the Bee,” and “Jump In!” In 2008, she landed her own show on Nickelodeon with “True Jackson, VP” and her “life was changed after that,” she told People. “I was happy my family, we came to California for me to pursue my dreams I got my own show, right. H oney, my parents at their best made $40,000 a year growing...

Lady London chose to pursue rap after being accepted into medical school. While speaking on Revolt’s podcast, “The Blackprint,” the rapper born Zaire Miylaun Stewart reflected on the pivotal moments that led to her transition into music. She boasts two degrees, starting with a bachelor’s from Howard University, where she double-majored in sports medicine and chemistry. Lady London holds her time at the Historically Black College and University in high regard. “I was a rambunctious teenager. I went away to school because I was always told I had to go to school..and if I was going to be a part of community it had to be the Black community. So I went to a HBCU. I wanted educational goals but I didn’t think I would come out with so much experience of life. I know there’s like this whole thing where they say like ‘PWIs are the real reality of school because 72% of the world is white. The reality is if you learn how to make it in these communities and at Howard, if you can make it at...

Rumors surrounding Cynthia Erivo’s and Ariana Grande’s compensation have been addressed. T he two actresses star in “ Wicked ,” directed by Jon M. Chu. The film impressed with a stellar opening weekend, earning $162.5 million globally, according to Deadline. Based on the Broadway adaptation, it was produced on a budget ranging from $145 million to $150 million, per Screen Rant. Grande plays Glinda the Good Witch while Erivo plays Elphaba, The Wicked Witch of the West. Speaking on their roles, Grande commented to Blavity’s Shadow and Act, “I think it’s such an incredible honor and privilege to be trusted with the responsibility of playing Glinda, a role that I’ve loved since I was 10. And it does in a way, feel like a reintroduction. I feel like for both of us [Cynthia and I], this baby of ours has been a secret for such a long time. And I know it’s coming fast, and it’s loud, and it’s everywhere, but it’s been such an intimate part of our lives for the past three and a half years...

If you’ve spent any time staring at a television or film screen in the past few years, you’ve likely encountered some of Colman Domingo’s handiwork. The 54-year-old Academy Award winner has graced the screen for such impressive projects as “Candyman,” “The Color Purple,” “Fear The Walking Dead,” and the HBO original series “Euphoria,” just to name a few. Earlier this year, he was listed among Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world due to his powerful ethos, moving performances and commitment to creative excellence. Currently, fans are awaiting Domingo’s appearance in a myriad of upcoming works, including Netflix’s forthcoming outing “The Madness,” as well as next year’s Michael Jackson biopic . Needless to say, many fans are wondering just how much money Colman Domingo has stacked up over the course of his decades-long career. Luckily, we’ve got you covered, with a quick but comprehensive look at the revered actor’s financial portfolio, investment holdings and film...

If you’re tuned in to the world of early 2000s hip hop , or the world of modern Belizean politics, you may already be familiar with the name Shyne Barrow. The former rapper and current Opposition Party leader in Belize’s House of Representatives has one of the most fascinating backstories in all of pop culture and politics. Though he may not be as well known as his contemporaries like Busta Rhymes and Jay-Z, Shyne’s story is finally being told with the recent release of the Hulu original “The Honorable Shyne,” which dropped on the streamer earlier this month. In the documentary, Shyne outlines the untold truth about his time laboring under Bad Boy Records , his lengthy incarceration and his pivot into politics within his home country. Given that the 46-year-old politician has led such a storied life, fans are justifiably wondering about other personal details, including his net worth, investment portfolio and various streams of income. Luckily, we’ve got you covered, with a quick...

Keke Palmer became a millionaire by the age of 12. In 2004, the Chicago native landed her first film role in “Barbershop 2: Back in Business” . Her breakout role came in 2006 with “Akeelah and the Bee” and just a year later, she showcased her acting skills as Mary Thomas in Disney’s “Jump In!” alongside Corbin Bleu. By that time, Palmer’s parents had already hired a business manager—a strategic decision aimed at ensuring financial transparency. “They wanted me to know that they they weren’t the ones controlling my money. They had heard these stories and my mom said I don’t want money to come in between me and my child,” Palmer said on “Club Shay Shay.” Palmer also benefited from a Coogan account, which was designed to hold a percentage of child star’s earnings. She added, “That always was there regardless of anything else.” Palmer also spoke on the intricacies of reaching millionaire status by 12. “I became a millionaire at 12. To expect everybody to have become a millionaire at 12...

WNBA star Angel Reese has exceeded the expectations of her former agents. During a panel discussion at ComplexCon 2024, Nov. 16-17, in Las Vegas, NV, the Chicago Sky player looked back on the discouraging advice she received from her former agents, who had low expectations for her success with name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals. “I used to be with an agency, and I’m not with the agency anymore,” the 22-year-old explained on the panel, moderated by Speedy Morman , according to Complex. “And initially when I was with the agency, that specific agency told me I was never going to make over $2,000. … And that was when NIL first started.” Reese would prove those agents wrong. She has secured a slew of NIL deals with companies that include: Wingstop McDonald’s Raising Cane’s Amazon Sonic Bose Banter by Piercing Pagoda TurboTax Xfinity JanSport Outback Steakhouse In April 2024, her NIL valuation had reached $1.8 million, notes The Street. Reese is now working with new agents, Jeanine...

Mathew Knowles has made a name for himself in the business world without the help of investors. Entrepreneurship In His DNA The businessman was seated center stage during the Building Wealth Today for Tomorrow Financial Empowerment Summit held at the UIC Forum in Chicago, IL, on Oct. 12, 2024. The event is designed to connect the community to tools, resources, and conversations that encourage the desire to create long-term wealth . “Bringing Mathew Knowles to our summit reflects our dedication to teaching real, sustainable wealth-building principles,” said Melissa Conyears-Ervin, the city’s treasurer . “His focus on generational wealth and self-funded success aligns with our goal of helping Chicagoans achieve true economic mobility. At the Treasurer’s Office, we believe everyone deserves access to the knowledge and resources to build wealth on their own terms, creating a legacy that will benefit future generations.” Photo Credit: Antwan Collins Knowles is well regarded as the...

If you’re a major country music fan, you may already be intimately acquainted with Kane Brown. The country music singer , who is currently preparing for the release of his fourth studio album The High Road , has turned many heads with his inventive songwriting, charming personality and media appearances in everything from Nickelodeon’s All That to reality competition series The X Factor . Brown currently touts a listenership of over 15 million monthly active users on Spotify alone , with chart-topping tracks such as “Miles On It,” “What Ifs” and “Heaven” serving as his biggest records. Like many modern musicians, Brown marketed himself through social media and the internet without the assistance of the major music labels, making him something of an indie darling to his growing fanbase. Since Brown has been such a hot topic lately, it only makes sense that fans would be wondering about his current net worth. Though the singer is still a rising star, it seems that he has already...

Unless you were born yesterday, you surely have at least some awareness of iconic 20th century musician Elvis Presley. Even if the King of Rock and Roll has no place on your Spotify Wrapped , you’ve surely heard your fair share of hit songs, catchphrases and impersonations over the years. The singer, often known by his first name alone, was responsible for revolutionizing the landscape of music throughout the 1950s and beyond, enthralling millions of listeners around the globe with his hypnotic blend of provocative dance moves and infectious vocal inflections. Today, his musical stylings are obviously quite dated, though it can’t be overstated just how much Elvis Presley propelled the culture of rock and roll into the mainstream. Though the singer has been deceased for nearly half a century, his legacy still lives on to this day, largely in the form of music biopics like 2022’s Elvis and the recently released Netflix documentary Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis...