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1997

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LL COOL J's Famous 1997 GAP Commercial Increased Company's Target Audience By 300 Percent

Beyond just the music, LL COOL J has always been a blessing to the culture, and this story is proof of it.

Feb 23, 2023

Book Summary: Eckhart Tolle’s 'The Power Of Now'

Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now is a transformational book that explores the importance of living in the present moment. Since its publication in 1997, it has become one of the most influential spiritual and self-development books of modern times. The book argues that many of life’s struggles stem from an overattachment to the past and excessive worry about the future. By focusing on the present, Tolle explains, individuals can free themselves from unnecessary suffering and live with greater clarity and purpose. Check out this summary of The Power of Now to see if it’s worth adding to your to be read pile. Summary Of The Power of Now’s Core Message Tolle’s philosophy centers on the idea that most people live in a constant state of distraction, caught up in thoughts that pull them away from the present. He describes the mind as a source of both suffering and limitation because it constantly replays past regrets or anticipates future problems. This mental chatter, which he refers to...

Apr 22, 2025

100 Future STEM Leaders Accepted Into The 18th Annual Disney Dreamers Academy To Make The World A More Magical Place

Five days of fun, networking, mentorship , and the chance to enjoy everything the most magical place on Earth has to offer — that’s what Disney’s Dreamers Academy is all about. From Wednesday, March 26, to Sunday, March 30, 2025, students from around the world traveled to the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL, to be inspired, motivated, and energized by educators, business executives, community leaders, and celebrities, including “DREAMbassador” Tyler James Williams (“Abbott Elementary”) and former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe . For the 100 participants — ages 13 and 19 — such as Alexis Limary, Jayden Kelly, Christian Rutter, Iraj Shroff, Ava Powers, and Tristan Williams, getting accepted into the 18th annual Dreamers Academy was a dream come true, preparing them for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and math ( STEM ). “The opportunity to even be able to come to Disney World, expenses paid, that’s just someone’s dream. Also, to be able to become a part of...

Apr 17, 2025

Charles D. King Was The First Black Partner At WME And Went On To Build A Multi-Media Empire Championing Underrepresented Voices

Charles D. King has changed the entertainment landscape for the better. The Journey Born in Harlem, NY, and raised on the outskirts of Atlanta, GA, he showed early signs of being a businessman by selling supplies at school and even cutting neighbors’ grass, CNBC reports . He says his inspiration was his father, who founded a medical practice as a pediatrician. According to Forbes, King originally intended to also pursue a career in the medical field. “Seeing him leave a job to start his own practice. My mother was the first receptionist. It was just amazing watching it, but the other thing was the freedom that he had,” he told CNBC. King would follow that blueprint of ownership, but within the entertainment industry. As a political science student at Vanderbilt University, he showed an interest in recognizing talent. However, his pivot into the entertainment industry came during a two-year stint as a law clerk with a music attorney while at Howard University School of Law between...

Apr 11, 2025

Op-Ed: I Believe 23andMe Selling Their Data Could Benefit Black People — Let Me Explain

Editorial Note: Opinions and thoughts are the author’s own and not those of AFROTECH™. The question of who controls your data and how it’s used has been a topic of discussion since the dawn of the internet. The rise of social media giants like Meta and X has only heightened awareness and concern around data privacy. What happens when data collection goes beyond your age and interests to your genetic makeup? That’s the concern surrounding the recent news about 23andMe. As reported by AP News, the company has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after former CEO Anne Wojcicki’s attempt to buy back the company’s assets fell through. Founded in 2006 by Wojcicki, Linda Avey, and Paul Cusenza, 23andMe was created to empower consumers with insights about their genetic makeup to inform health decisions. As reported by CTech, the company went public at a $3.5 billion valuation and was once valued as high as $6 billion. In addition to consumer-focused tests, 23andMe has contributed to genetic...

Apr 1, 2025

Michael Jordan’s Signed Rookie Jersey From His Alleged NBA Debut Sells For $4.1M, Becoming The Fifth Highest-Selling Jersey

Michael Jordan’s sports memorabilia remains highly sought after. AFROTECH™ has covered multiple auction sales featuring memorabilia from Jordan’s legendary NBA career. This includes a jersey worn during his 45-point game during the 1996-1997 season with the Chicago Bulls, which sold for $4.7 million at Sotheby’s auction house in November 2024. “One of the finest Michael Jordan jerseys ever to come to auction, MJ wore this road-red jersey for 5 months and 17 games during the Chicago Bulls legendary 1996-1997 championship season,” Sotheby’s detailed on their Instagram. “In the 1990s, the jersey’s image landed on trading cards, magazines, newspapers, and collectable posters like these from Starline or Costacos Brothers that decorated the walls of kids’ rooms around the world.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sotheby's (@sothebys) In February 2024, a set of six individual sneakers sported by Jordan during his victorious championship season sold for $8 million, which was the...

Mar 27, 2025

Inside The Life, Career, And Accomplishments Of Heavyweight-Boxing-Champion-Turned-Businessman George Foreman

Heavyweight-champion-turned-businessman George Foreman has passed away. NBC News reports the cause of Foreman’s death has not been revealed (at the time of this writing). He was 76 years old. A post on his official Instagram confirmed his passing. “Our hearts are broken. With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr. who peacefully departed on March 21, 2025 surrounded by loved ones. A devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose,” the post read. “A humanitarian, an Olympian, and two time heavyweight champion of the world, He was deeply respected — a force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy, fighting tirelessly to preserve his good name — for his family.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by George Foreman (@biggeorgeforeman) Family Foreman is survived by his wife, Mary Joan; six...

Mar 24, 2025

Primary Wave Acquires 50% Stake In Notorious B.I.G.'s Estate, Which Is Valued At Over $200M

A portion of Notorious B.I.G.’s estate will now be handled by Primary Wave. As AFROTECH™ previously told you, a deal rumored to be in the “eight figures” was in the works between Notorious B.I.G.’s estate and the music publisher and involved half his publishing and master rights, including his rights to name, image, voice, and “other identifiable characteristics.” Notorious B.I.G.’s estate had been primarily run by his mother, Voletta Wallace, who was instrumental in securing stake from Bad Boy Records. Christopher Wallace, otherwise known as Biggie Smalls or Notorious B.I.G., had been one of the first artists to sign to the label owned by Sean “Diddy” Combs. Bad Boy Records had 50% stake in his songwriting catalog, Variety mentions. Voletta was able to increase the estate’s stake to 85% after arguing it was doing the heavy lifting in securing deals to license and monetize Notorious B.I.G.’s music. She then secured the remaining 15% stake in 2020. “Securing control of my son’s...

Mar 21, 2025

Dawn Robinson, Former En Vogue Star, Reveals She’s Homeless—What Happened To Her Fortune?

The music industry can be a tricky game — one minute you’re up, and the next you’re left wondering where all the money went — an intricate maze of talent, timing, and business. Few stories illustrate its complexities as vividly as Dawn Robinson’s. As a founding member of En Vogue, she was part of a movement that redefined contemporary R&B, blending impeccable harmonies with a bold, sophisticated image that commanded attention. Yet, the same industry that lifted her to legendary status ultimately left her to navigate an unrelenting financial storm. Robinson, now 59, recently revealed in a profoundly personal YouTube video that she has been living in her car for the past three years, according to The Hollywood Reporter. This revelation is more than a personal hardship — it is a case study of what happens when artists, especially Black women in the music industry, are not given the tools to own their success beyond the stage. Her story is not about missteps alone but about an industry...

Mar 15, 2025

DK Metcalf's 2025 NFL Contract Extension Means He's One Of The Highest-Paid Wide Receivers In The League

From breaking records on the field to securing lucrative endorsements, DK Metcalf has established himself as a wide receiver to watch in the NFL. Since being drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 2019, he has quickly risen to elite status, becoming one of the league’s most dominant offensive weapons. Known for his rare combination of size, speed and athleticism, Metcalf has delivered performances that showcase his stamina and strength, cementing his reputation as a game-changing playmaker. Off the field, the 27-year-old has successfully transformed his football stardom into financial success . His endorsements include partnerships with major companies such as Nike, Gatorade and Beats by Dre, further boosting his income and public profile. Additionally, he has ventured into business, capitalizing on opportunities in industries ranging from fitness to fashion. With a keen eye for branding and entrepreneurship, he has positioned himself as more than just an athlete – he’s a savvy...

Mar 14, 2025

Notorious B.I.G.'s Catalog Reportedly Up For Sale In A Deal Projected To Be 8 Figures

The catalog of one of Hip Hop’s greats, the late Notorious B.I.G., is reportedly up for sale. Various artists have seen massive profits from their music catalogs, including John Legend and Nelly, who sold 50% of his catalog to HarbourView Equity Partners in 2023 for $50 million, as previously reported by AFROTECH™ . That same year, Wiz Khalifa also sold a portion of recorded music and publishing assets to HarbourView, and R&B artist Jeremih followed suit in 2024. The estates of late artists have also sold catalogs. David Bowie’s estate cemented a deal with Warner Chappell Music in 2022 to acquire his 27 studio albums for $250 million, Variety reports . Sony Music Group also acquired half of Michael Jackson’s publishing and recorded music catalog in a deal valued at a minimum of $600 million in 2023, according to Billboard. The Hollywood Reporter states that by 2030 the publishing rights asset class will reach more than $10 billion. Now, it appears that the estate of Notorious...

Mar 5, 2025

Tracy McGrady Says His Wife Is 'On Top Of My Business' And Encouraged Him To Hire Auditors After His First Big NBA Contract

Happy wife, happy life is how the saying goes. Tracy McGrady will agree. The basketball legend, nicknamed T-Mac, was drafted into the NBA by the Toronto Raptors in 1997. He was just 18 years old at the time and had played high school basketball for North Carolina’s Mt. Zion Christian Academy. He signed a three-year rookie contract valued at $4,689,480, per Spotrac. This was not, however, his first lucrative contract. Just ahead of the 1997 draft, his talents landed him a $12 million shoe endorsement deal with Adidas, as AFROTECH™ previously reported. Making that kind of money at 18 came with its learning curves. McGrady grew up in a household with his mother working as a custodian at Disney while his grandmother was a custodian at his elementary school for three decades. No one in his family earned over $40,000. “You can only imagine I’m 18 years old. I don’t have a family that has taught me financial literacy. I don’t know anything about it. So all of this is just trying to figure...

Feb 28, 2025

Does SKIMS, Co-Founded By Kim Kardashian And Emma Grede, Have The Power To Rival The Jordan Brand With Their Bold New Partnership With Nike?

Could SKIMS, co-founded by Kim Kardashian and Emma Grede, rival the Jordan brand? Founded in 2019, SKIMS is a brand specializing in underwear, loungewear, and shapewear designed for every body type. Its business footprint has grown to include successful brick-and-mortar locations in Georgetown, D.C.; Aventura, FL; Austin, TX; Houston, TX; Atlanta, GA; and New York, NY. The company also boasts a $4 billion valuation. View this post on Instagram A post shared by SKIMS (@skims) Grede, also CEO and co-founder of Good American, another Kardashian family business, attributes its success —not just the $270 million raised in 2023 or the partnership with The North Face—to more than Kim’s celebrity status. View this post on Instagram A post shared by SKIMS (@skims) “Talent can bring you to a product once, but you don’t come back time and time again,” Grede said in an interview with The Guardian. “You have got to be offering superior product at a price and value people really understand. If it...

Feb 25, 2025

How Much Has The Cost Of A Super Bowl Ad Changed From 1967 To 2025?

Over 123 million people worldwide tuned into Super Bowl LIX this year to see the Kansas City Chiefs face off against the Philadelphia Eagles . Whether you watched from a sports bar, from your couch or from the seats at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, you likely encountered a number of highlights from the game itself, the electrifying halftime performance and the hilarious array of eye-popping ads. It’s long been known that the big game is the premiere advertising event of the year, as brands across the nation have a chance to place their product or service in front of millions of viewers from all over the globe. Many major companies utilize their Super Bowl ad space to launch brand new products, high-ticket expansions or comedic pop culture zingers designed to be dissected by the water cooler the following week. But how much are these companies really paying out to get their ads out there? It seems as though each Super Bowl carries an exponential price tag for air time, even...

Feb 11, 2025