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There is still optimism surrounding the future of creators amid the looming TikTok ban. This sentiment is felt by Eddie Rizzo, who serves as the VP of marketing at WORTHI, a full-service cultural connections agency on a mission to grow brands and build IP all while amplifying people of color. In 2024, Rizzo managed nearly $1 million in creator partnerships primarily on TikTok for BIPOC creators and clients such as Paramount+, Max, Google, GoFundMe, Amazon, and more. “My mission as the VP of Marketing at WORTHI is to grow and develop the best of the best team of predominantly BIPOC and LGBTQ+ strategists and creatives to deliver impactful work for our clients that’s intrinsically culture-forward from the inside out because we live and breathe culture,” he told AFROTECH™ in an interview. “This aligns with our company’s overall vision of unlocking the business value and cultural impact of historically underestimated communities.” Looking to the current landscape, Rizzo acknowledges the...
Apple is on the lookout for bright developers. The tech giant will soon be jumpstarting its 2025 Swift Student Challenge, which was created to empower rising developers, creators, and entrepreneurs. Its website mentions they will be tasked with scaling their ideas into an application leveraging tools that include Swift Playgrounds and Xcode. Previous winners include Keitaro Kawahara of Japan (PuzzlePix), Ruoshan Li of China (Deep Blue Tangram), and University of Alabama at Birmingham student AJ Nettles, who submitted an application named CryptOh. As AFROTECH™ previously told you, his app includes an interactive guide that explains the importance of password security and serves as a password manager and generator. “I wanted to make it easier for people to store their passwords and not have them on a random sticky note on the edge of their computer,” he told AFROTECH™. Nettles was among the 50 Distinctive Winners out of 350 winners of the challenge in 2024, and he was able to meet...
Streaming may not be the easiest job, but it’s not harder than a standard 9-to-5 — or at least not according to Kai Cenat . During an interview with Shannon Sharpe on the “Club Shay Shay” podcast, the online streamer was asked if his job is more difficult than a typical 9-to-5, to which he replied, “F-ck no.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Club Shay Shay (@clubshayshay) “Anybody who says streaming is harder than a 9-to-5 is an idiot,” Cenat said. “I work so hard on my streams, it takes a lot of hard work, there’s a lot of planning. You got to be in front of a camera for dozens of hours. I understand that, it’s hard.” “But harder than a 9-to-5? You’re talking about somebody that may not even want to be there,” he continued. “I love streaming. I think about it all the time… The average 9-to-5 worker don’t want to be there.” Cenat added that when those that work a 9-to-5 job finally receive their paychecks, they often use them to pay bills and care for their...
Lupe Fiasco is stepping into academia to share his insights on rap! The artist, born Wasalu Muhammad Jaco, announced on Instagram that he will join Johns Hopkins University’s Peabody Institute this fall as a professor for its four-year Hip Hop degree program. The program is led by Hip-Hop producer Wendel Patrick, who serves as an associate professor of music engineering and technology at the Peabody Conservatory. “Thrilled to share that I’ll be joining the faculty at the prestigious Johns Hopkins University’s Peabody Institute in Fall 2025 as a Distinguished Visiting Professor,” Lupe Fiasco wrote on Instagram. The rapper behind “The Show Goes On” later added, “The @peabodyinstitute is one of the oldest music conservatories in America. World renowned for its rigorous training and for producing some of the world’s greatest musicians, and I’m honored to contribute to this legacy doing what I love most, Rap.” As for what students can expect, the course will include lessons with a...
Trusting the process led Kai Cenat to turn down millions. Kai Cenat, a Brooklyn, NY native who came from humble beginnings, was among the creators to watch in 2024. He is part of the AMP (Any Means Possible) group alongside ImDavisss, Fanum, Duke Dennis, Agent 00, and ChrisNxtDoor. Together, they have amassed 6.89 million YouTube followers through videos showcasing their winter vacations, pranks, and annual cyphers. On his own, Cenat boasts 11.4 million YouTube followers, 16.9 million TikTok followers, and 12.7 million Instagram followers. However, Twitch could arguably be the cream of the crop. Cenat became the most-subscribed streamer on the platform, reclaiming the title from Ironmouse in November 2024, as AFROTECH™ previously reported. Twitch has led to some remarkable collaborations for Cenat. His recent 24/7 “Mafiathon 2,” which ran throughout November 2024, featured special guests such as GloRilla, Kyrie Irving, Lil Uzi Vert, SZA, Kevin Hart, and Druski. Cenat has a loyal...
Khabane “Khaby” Lame chose to give back to his family as one of his first acts of success. As AFROTECH™ previously reported, Lame was once a factory worker in Chivasso, Italy, barely earning enough to make ends meet. He also worked several other jobs, driven by his commitment to support his family. “Before TikTok , I was working in a factory. I had a lot of different jobs,” he told People. “I was helping support my family — three little brothers, one older brother, and my parents. Then my world changed completely. It’s a whole different life now.” Lame’s circumstances took a dramatic turn for the better, all thanks to social media. What began as a simple hobby — silently reacting to memes and viral videos — quickly evolved into a life-changing platform for his unique, wordless humor. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Khabane Lame (@khaby00) Lame would soon find social media stardom, amassing 162.4 million followers and 2.5 billion likes on TikTok alone, along with an...
Popular streamer IShowSpeed isn’t afraid to turn down lucrative deals. As AFROTECH™ previously told you, IShowSpeed is a dedicated streamer who made various sacrifices to focus on his craft. One of those sacrifices included moving into his father’s home after receiving an ultimatum from his mother: quit streaming or leave her home. “Once I start something, I’m not stopping,” he mentioned on “Club Shay Shay” at the time. The decision has paid off, and the streamer holds no ill feelings toward his mother. In fact, he later bought a home for her after earning his first $1 million at 16. Today, IShowSpeed has 33.8 million subscribers on one of his YouTube channels alone, as well as an additional 27 million followers on Instagram (at the time of this writing). He also just won Streamer of the Year at the Streamer Awards 2024. While it is unclear what his exact earnings are, he confirmed on Complex’s “360 With Speedy (Morman)” that the $10 million net worth that comes up in a Google...
Editorial Note: Opinions and thoughts are the author’s own and not those of AFROTECH™. TikTok is once again finding itself at odds with the U.S government as it fights to stay available here in the U.S. Previously, TikTok had to go up against The Commitee On Foreign Investment In The United States because the company’s ties to China through its owner Bytedance prompted some concerns by the U.S. government for national security. President Joe Biden signed a new law in April 2024 that would force the sale of TikTok to a U.S.-owned entity, or it will face a permanent ban here in the U.S. starting January 2025. TikTok then asked the Supreme Court to place a pause on the potential ban to hear its arguments on why the platform should be able to operate in the U.S. The Supreme Court will hear the start to its arguments on Jan. 10. Today, TikTok is a place not only to discover content but also to engage in commerce. TikTok Shop launched in September 2023 and has quickly become a mainstay...
Keith Lee experienced survivor’s remorse when he bought his first home in 2024. Lee, a former delivery driver and MMA fighter, is a well-known food reviewer who boasts 16.8 million followers on TikTok alone. His reviews have led businesses to become overnight successes within their communities. In fact, some have even expanded after gaining traction from his reviews. As previously reported by AFROTECH™ , Stricen Carter had been on the verge of closing down her New Orleans, LA-based NOLA Sips and Sweet Thangs, which sells a variety of flavored snowballs and treats, until Lee’s review. Since then, her business has not only stayed afloat but she has also opened a storefront in Houston, TX. View this post on Instagram A post shared by DESIGNER SNOBALLS ®️🍧🌈🍭✨ (@sweetthangsnola) Beyond providing visibility, Lee has also demonstrated his commitment to supporting small businesses financially. As he revealed on the “Club Shay Shay” podcast, hosted by Shannon Sharpe, Lee invested $300,000...
As part of Miami Art Week, Art Basel Miami took place from Friday, Dec. 6, to Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, kicking off with a private dinner on Thursday, Dec. 5, at the Fazeel Khan Residence. Tres Generaciones Tequila, a premium tequila brand known for supporting creators and innovators, and CFDA two-time award-winning fashion designer Maxwell Osborne hosted the exclusive event in partnership with ARTNOIR to celebrate trailblazers marking new milestones at Art Basel, according to a press release. The dinner honored contemporary artist Andrea Chung, recognized for her original work inspired by island nations in the Indian Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, which challenges traditional notions of “paradise” through the outsiders’ perspectives. Guests included Fabolous , Leon Thomas, Paul Anthony Smith, Kesha McLeod, Carmelo Anthony, and Rubi Rose, among others, who all arrived by luxury boat cruiser and were greeted with Jamaican patties, a tribute to Osborne’s Jamaican-American heritage. He is a...
Leading with integrity over the dollar sign is food reviewer Keith Lee’s mantra. Keith Lee is renowned for his social media presence, where he shines a spotlight on small-owned businesses , helping them gain widespread attention. With 16.8 million followers on TikTok and a staggering 794.2 million likes (as of this writing), his influence is undeniable. Beyond amplifying businesses, Keith is also known for his restaurant reviews, many of which have gone viral. His reviews carry significant weight, often referred to as the “Keith Lee Effect” — a phenomenon where his endorsement can skyrocket a business’s popularity, while a less favorable review might have the opposite impact. As previously reported by AFROTECH™ , Keith Lee’s platform played a pivotal role in supporting Soul Prime Chicago, founded by Shonya “Chef Royce” Williams. At the time, the restaurant was facing financial struggles just four months after opening, struggling to pay its staff. Following Lee’s video, customer...
ImDavisss’ interest in technology was ingrained in his childhood. During an exclusive interview with AFROTECH™, the streamer and content creator , originally from Atlanta, GA, reflected on the early support and exposure to technology he received from his father, who built websites. “I grew up playing a lot of video games, but in my spare time, I think my first interest in technology came from my dad. He built websites—that was his job when I was a kid. So, I used to mimic what he was doing. The software back then was called Dreamweaver. It was a really, really old-school program, but that’s kind of how I got into technology. I would fake-build websites in my spare time,” he explained. Rise As Streamer/Content Creator ImDavisss, who had a strong interest in basketball, also developed a passion for streaming and gaming. His parents supported his newfound enthusiasm — his father bought him a green screen, while his mother provided a PlayStation, controllers, and microphones when he was...
Content creators are taking over. Entertainment is entering a new era as attention shifts away from traditional cable TV, streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and Peacock, and even movie theaters. More people are seeking fresh, innovative ways to engage their time and dollars. And the creators are certainly delivering with engaging content that circulates the web and is also attracting countless celebrities and companies who are looking to capitalize in a new territory. Forbes notes the creator economy is currently valued at $250 billion, and that number is projected to nearly double by 2027. Three top Black creators are not just participating in this revolution — they’re leading it. Kai Cenat Kai Cenat currently holds the crown as Twitch’s most-subscribed streamer, as AFROTECH™ previously reported. The New Yorker, who once lived in a shelter, recently concluded his month-long November 2024 “Mafiathon 2.” Users tuned in to his 24/7 Twitch livestream throughout the month,...
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...
Google has convened at one of the yearly hot spots for art and thoughtful conversations. To celebrate Art Basel/Miami Art Week 2024, Dec. 2 – 8, many are gathering in Miami, FL, to view the works of artists from all over the world. Kicking it off on Monday, Dec. 2, ELLE Magazine Editor-At-Large Hassan Pierre; Senior Director, Global Consumer Marketing, Commerce at Google, Stephanie Horton; and journalist Lola Ogunnaike hosted an intimate conversation with multidisciplinary artist Derrick Adams, in celebration of the week, and his partnership with Google Shopping at the Matador Room inside The Miami Beach EDITION hotel. Photo Credit: Matteo Prandoni / BFA.com | Editor Credit: Brendon Cook / BFA.com | L-R: Hassan Pierre, Stephanie Horton, Lola Ogunnaike, Derrick Adams Also in attendance were artist Mickalene Thomas; interior designer Sasha Bikoff; Carmen Busquets (founder of Net a Porter); Jasmine Wahi (founder of Project for Empty Space); and broadcast journalist Cari Champion, among...