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Source: @tomsachs/Nike / Instagram
Nike and Tom Sachs are back on good terms, which means a crispy pair of sneakers. The latter, dropped a couple of photos of the forthcoming NikeCraft Mars Yard 3.0 which is guaranteed to be one of the most hyped—and likely difficult to acquire (for retail price)—sneakers of the year, already.
Source: Nike / Complex
However, you can’t gloss over the fact Sachs—a renowned but controversial contemporary artist—and Nike were recently on the outs after allegations of his abuse behavior toward employees began to surface in early 2023. At the time, Sachs and Nike were in the midst of pushing the NikeCraft General Purpose Shoe, which came to a quick halt after the allegations and just several colorways were released. Although the model (which sported a more democratized purchase process that meant easier access and more pairs) was paused, Nike never completely severed ties with Sachs, taking a wait and see approach, and officially resuming their partnership in late 2024. “Tom has demonstrated and recommitted to fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity,” said Nike in a statement at the time.
As far as we can tell, Sachs’ hasn’t generated any new troubling headlines, and he’s back in official business with the Swoosh, and the NikeCraft Mars Yard 3.0 is set to drop in September per his Instagram post. At first glance, the sneaker itself doesn’t look like a radical departure from the Mars Yard 2.0 (which dropped in 2012 and 2017) but it is more like an optimization. Some of those updates include Nike’s React cushioning in the midsole, a black TPU toecap and a carbon fiber plate.
The Mars Yard 2.0 from 2017 was a smooth $200 (and fetches $1600 on StockX at the moment) so you can probably expect the 2025 version to be at least a bit pricier. Good hunting—we suggest you call up your sneaker plug not now but right now.
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Megan Thee Stallion turned 30 over Valentine’s Day Weekend and looked stunning doing so as we were privileged to witness via social media. The Houston Hottie herself is now expanding her business portfolio by way of her new tequila brand, Chicas Divertidas.
Announced on Megan Thee Stallion’s birthday (Feb. 15), Chicas Divertidas aims to be more than a celebrity tequila brand and is produced and sourced at Casa Centinela (NOM 1140), which has been distilling the famed Mexican spirit for over 120 years. As with all tequilas, the juice is made from 100% Blue Weber agave as legally mandated by the Consejo Regulador del Tequila (CRT) and can only be made from the plant in one of the designated regions in the country.
Hot Girl Meg is known as someone who enjoys a good beverage responsibly and shared her vision of Chicas Divertidas with her legion of fans.
“As someone who values good vibes and great memories, I knew I wanted to create a tequila that was designed to be shared and savored with my Hotties,” Megan shared in a statement. “Smooth, sultry, and premium. This process has been years in the making, and I’m so proud to take this next step in my journey as an entrepreneur and launch this brand. I know the Hotties are ready, it’s time to give them a drink made by me! I’m excited to share this labor of love with you all and hope you are inspired to enter your CHICAS ERA!”
Currently, Chicas Divertidas is offered in Blanco (SRP $70), which is unaged tequila that can be either sipped with meals or mixed and Reposado (SRP $80), which means “rested” and is a slightly aged version of tequila that can be sipped or make an excellent base for an Oaxacan Old Fashioned.
There is a presale link for Chicas Divertidas ahead of its wider national distribution, which can be found here.
Congratulations to Megan Thee Stallion.
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Photo: Chicas Divertidas Tequila
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Kendrick Lamar is upping the ante when it comes to his Super Bowl appearance. The “Not Like Us” rapper has partnered with Willy Chavarria for a capsule collection in honor of the big game.
Source: Diego Bendezu / Diego Bendezu
As spotted on GQ, the 2025 edition of football’s biggest night will come with some very unique wearables. Designer Willy Chavarria has curated merch in conjunction with Kendrick Lamar. While the drop covers your usual streetwear staples (i.e., t-shirts, shorts, hooded sweatshirts, etc.) it is clear the creative had a specific narrative in mind he was trying to convey with the overall aesthetic.
Featured throughout all the items is bold typography that incorporates some of Kendrick Lamar’s lyrics from GNX. “FOOT UP ON THE GAS, BUT SOMEBODY GOTTA DO IT” is featured on the hoodies. This collection is also is a nod to sports. We not only get some NFL emblem integration but apparel like performance jerseys and a satin varsity jacket.
The Kendrick Lamar Super Bowl Halftime performance capsule collection is available now. Proceeds from this drop will go support to those impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires.
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Source: WWD / Getty
NLE Choppa has made it well-known that he proudly stands behind the LGBTQ community and though he doesn’t claim to be gay or bisexual, the man has been accused of gay baiting in the past. So when he posed up a storm for the latest issue of Playgirl, y’all already knew those accusations would once again go into overdrive.
Looking particularly zesty for his photoshoot in the January issue of Playgirl, many in the Hip-Hop community have once again taken to social media to call NLE Choppa out for baiting the gay community while others feel the man may just be slowly coming out the closet. Either way, that’s his business.
Still, it seems like the gay baiting accusations isn’t sitting too well with NLE Choppa. He explained that he did not care what others think about how he’s portraying himself for his fans, but does want people to stop saying he’s a “gay baiter just because I’m comfortable enough to show off the perfection that God has orchestrated over my physical, my mental, my spiritual and even my emotions.”
Homie low-key went from sounding conceited to humble in one sentence.
Continuing on with his statement of the gay baiting sentiment, NLE Choppa added, “I am not a gay baiter because I post a selfie in the mirror showing off how beautiful I am. I am not a gay baiter if I post a picture showing off how much God has blessed me from below the waist with something that got women going crazy. I am not a gay baiter because in my Playgirl shoot I showed a piece of my ass. I can’t show a piece of my own ass without being called a name? It’s my ass! I am not a gay baiter because I showed my ass to a lady photographer.”
Well, he’s not wrong, but y’all already know heads are going to think what they want to think, and they’re thinking he’s either gay baiting or simply gay on the low (not that there is anything wrong with that). That’s just the game.
Still, NLE doesn’t seem to care what anyone thinks of him and once again reiterated his support of the gay community saying, “I love gay people but I would never want to bait gay people to love me for a certain reason. That’s not what I wanna do.”
Good for you, NLE. Now, go put some pants on, b.
Check out NLE Choppa’s statement and let us know your thoughts on his statement in the comments section below. And peep the CassiusLife cover story while you’re at it.
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Source: Romain Maurice / Getty
Popeyes, the fried chicken fast food chain, and Don Julio, one of the top tequila brands in the world, aren’t exactly in the same wheelhouse on several fronts but it appears things are changing. Don Julio and Popeyes look to be hinting at an upcoming collaboration and those who make up Black Xitter on the X platform had some thoughts.
Last Thursday, Popeyes posted a video on its Instagram account that teases the Don Julio collaboration featuring a vibrant party scene and a woman DJ decked out in gear adorned with the chain’s namesake along with some fancy Black boxes featuring the tequila brand’s name as well.
The caption for the video read, “The kitchen is heating up for the big game. Party starts 1.31.25,” which we assume is meant to illustrate that the Super Bowl contest between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs is happening soon on Feb. 9.
While we’ll have to wait until the end of the month to find out what exactly Popeyes and Don Julio are up to, fans on X, formerly Twitter, are chiming in with a wild variety of theories. Naturally, with the drop happening on the eve of Black History Month, some eyebrows were raised.
Will it be a new tequila-based glaze? Will there be Mexican-themed spices in a new drop? Is it a fashion collaboration considering the DJ’s outfit in the clip? It’s all over the place.
Check out the teaser clip below.
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Photo: Getty
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Source: Netflix / Netflix
Looks like another reality TV romance has bitten the dust. Ashley Adionser and Tyler Francis, the Season 7 couple from Netflix’s hit series, Love is Blind, who once set our hearts aflutter, have decided to call it quits.
A little over a year after jumping the broom together on the show, the crowd-favorite coupe has parted ways, with Ashley issuing a statement confirming their decision to end their relationship, saying:
“After much reflection, I want to share that Tyler and I have been separated for several weeks and have now made the difficult decision to end our marriage,” Ashley said in a statement to People. “While I had hoped for mutual understanding and transparency in our relationship, it has become clear that our paths are no longer aligned, making it impossible for me to continue in this marriage.” She added that she knows that this decision is “necessary” for her own “growth and peace.”
While Ashley’s statement to People didn’t offer details, she concluded her message sharing that she “will value the time and love [they] shared.
“While this chapter is ending, I will always hold respect for the time and love we shared,” Ashley continued. “I kindly ask for privacy during this deeply personal time as I focus on healing and building a new future. Thank you for your understanding and support.”
The couple’s onscreen love story hit a bump when Tyler revealed that he had donated sperm to help a friend, fathering three children that he initially said he had no relationship with. Photos challenging his story, as well as claims from the mother of said children, later circulated online when the season aired. Tyler, who spoke about wanting to have kids multiple times in the show, was side-eyed by many viewers (some of whom began calling him Tyler the Procreator).
During the reunion, Tyler acknowledged that he had lied about not knowing what the children looked like and suggested that he had wanted to protect their privacy. Ashley also clarified that she knew about the situation before having an on-camera discussion, calling it “insulting” to her intelligence for people to “imply that she was blindsided.”
Tyler has yet to publicly comment on the split.
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President Donald Trump was sworn in on Monday (Jan. 20) and the spectacle of the inauguration has concluded with many in the media offering their observations On X, President Donald Trump’s rambling and sometimes unfocused acceptance speech was dissected at great lengths with some pointing out the fallacies and falsehoods spewed from the pulpit.
President Donald Trump spoke at length from inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, using the moment to essentially echo many of his campaign talking points to raucous applause from his subordinates and supporters. It was more of the same tough talk and bluster most have come to expect, and there were soft lobs toward Black and Hispanic communities coupled with promises of cleaning up the crime in cities across the nation.
Trump also promised to tap into natural resources on the domestic level despite the threat to the climate it poses and wants to transform America into a manufacturing giant once more. He also made appeals to the auto industry and directed domestic companies to ramp up production. There were also the long-existing threats of tariffs against other nations and the promise of eliminating the cost to American citizens.
In a bizarre moment, Trump went back to his desire to rename the Panama Canal and said that the country “broke its promises” to America. He also used this moment to take a direct swipe at China, saying that he intends to snatch the canal back from the rival superpower.
Pastor Lorenzo Sewell’s passionate prayer in support of Trump also garnered some responses given the dramatic histrionics on display and the religious leader evoking Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Free At Last” speech inappropriately. It was, in a word, “something.”
Like much of Trump’s presidential campaign, the unchecked bravado of the former business mogul was on full display with a full-throated embrace from those in attendance who applauded nearly every word. However, how these plans are expected to move forward was not illustrated in any visible detail. Trump also circled and repeated his points, appearing to speak off script and barely spoke to the concerns of average Americans and largely aimed his words at his rabid base. There was also an unnecessary jab at the LBGTBQ community, in particular regarding gender presentation.
On X, users are chiming in regarding the inauguration of President Donald Trump and dissecting his words and a higher level than legacy media would ever dare. Check out those reactions below.
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Photo: Getty
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Martin Luther King Jr. is, with little doubt, one of the more notable figures in the annals of Black history, and his sacrifice for the greater good of all maintains its resonance in modern times. In the wake of the transition of power within the White House on January 20, Hip-Hop Wired is electing to honor Martin Luther King Jr. instead and will share ways to uphold the great leader’s lasting legacy.
Hip-Hop Wired and the entire Urban One family for years have highlighted the incredible accomplishments of Martin Luther King Jr., and the sting of his light being snuffed out in 1968 nearly upended the Civil Rights Movement as over 100 cities rioted after his assassination in Memphis, Tenn. At just 39 years of age at the time, King was close to achieving the impossible feat of unifying the country and wisely highlighted the true divide in America of race and class. And in the decades since King’s passing, Black people in America achieved incredible feats in the face of insurmountable odds only to conquer those barricades admirably.
Source: Santi Visalli / Getty
Check out a portion NewsOne’s profile and recognition of Martin Luther King Jr,’s 96th birthday below:
In 1957, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) was formed following the efforts and response to the “Montgomery Bus Boycott” in 1955. Rosa Parks jump-started the Civil Rights Movement that same year, after refusing to give up her seat to a White person. Dr. King and several other leaders joined the boycott, creating the SCLC.
With the help of the Quakers, Dr. King traveled to India in 1959 to visit with Gandhi. The trip was the necessary push needed to galvanize Dr. King’s desire to employ a similar approach with non-violent disobedience protests Stateside. SCLC activist Bayard Rustin, also a student of Gandhi’s teaching, served as King’s right hand in planning the 1963 “March On Washington” and was a trusted ally.
Releasing just a handful of books during his lifetime, Dr. King’s written work contained nearly the entire scope of his personal and academic pursuits. “Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story” was released in 1958. His last work, “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos Or Community,” saw a 1967 release.
Please read the entire profile here.
Source: – / Getty
One of the most viable ways one can engage the world using the philosophies of King comes by way of The King Center, helmed by Dr. Bernice A. King, the leader’s youngest child. Dr. King has enacted the training and education module Nonviolence365™️, which aids in the practice of nonviolent social activism. We could not think of another way to honor Martin Luther King Jr. other than pointing directly to all of the amazing efforts and activations sparked by The King Center.
Learn more by visiting The King Center website and check out the variety of resources there.
Adding to this, MLK Day is largely seen as a day of service. In that regard, search your local community organizations and volunteer to be in service of your neighbors, including the disabled and elderly. This can also include working in soup kitchens, homeless shelters, or your local houses of worship. A gripping cold has taken over much of the country and several groups could use all hands on deck to bring warmth and comfort to the less fortunate.
On X, Martin Luther King Jr. is trending and we’ve gathered some replies to share with our readers below.
An urgent need… #MLK #MLKDay #KingHoliday pic.twitter.com/aP41uBs5ol
— The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center (@TheKingCenter) January 19, 2025
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Donald Trump will officially become the 47th President of the United States on Monday, January 20, but there are far better ways to spend your time than watching the convicted felon’s second inauguration. Set to officially start at noon, we have some suggestions, for the sake of your anxiety and stress levels, that will make for a far more enjoyable day than watching the Grifter in Chief reassume power,
For example, it is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a federal holiday, which means plenty of people fortunate enough to be employed might have the day off. That means folk will be home, turning on their TV’s and perhaps noting that all the major networks will be broadcasting the inauguration. While there are those curious, and pro-MAGA, readily tuning in to see who continues to kiss the ring and hear newscasters ultimately sane wash convicted felon Trump, millions of folk ain’t trying to hear or see all that.
Here’s a list of activities to keep you busy while next wave of lies, gaslighting and corruption kicks off for another four years. Just saying.
1. Get more more familiar with the late, great Martin Luther King, Jr.
Source:Getty
Martin Luther King, Jr. represents the best of what humanity has to offer, and the Civil Rights leader was instrumental in getting the the Civil Rights Act of 1964. But in 2025, many on the far right would dismiss him as “woke,” which is now often a replacement for the n-word on the lips of those who seek a thinly veiled alternative to the slur. Today would be a good time to study up on the full spectrum of Dr. King’s vision, and how close we or have not come to achieving it. Start at the King Center, and go down the rabbit hole.
2. Watch NBA on MLK Day Games
Source:Getty
Speaking of, the NBA on MLK Day schedule of games, with an emphasis on honoring Dr. King’s legacy, has become a proper event over the years. 2025’s lineup features eight games of NBA action including the Wolves vs. Grizzlies at 2:30 pm ET and the Celtics vs. Warriors at 5 pm ET, both on TNT. Kicking off at noon, same as the inauguration (hint, hint) are the Mavs vs. Hornets, if you have NBA TV.
3. Let’s Organize
Source:Getty
Spring cleaning does not have to wait until the Spring. It has been exhaustively reported that decluttering and organizing your home or office space all kinds of mental health benefits to aid any anxiety, stress and generally boost your mood. And you don’t even need to take any drugs to [loses signal.
4. Watch ‘The Twilight Zone’ on streamers
Source:Getty
Watching The Twilight Zone marathon is a staple of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. It just hits different at the top of the year considering the series is readily available on Prime Video (Seasons 1 – 5), Pluto and other streaming services. And if the black and white OG version is a little too vanilla—Jordan Peele’s update, which was only a short-lived two seasons, it well worth a binge watch (also on Prime).
5. Log Off
Source:Getty
Contrary to popular believe, the world will not end if you don’t check in your various social media timelines (Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, Spill…you’re off Xitter, right, soon?). Of course, this does not mean, for example, to go AWOL from the job that pays, to fail to feed your children or other such examples of handling your business and responsibilities. But it’s safe bet the world will go on if you simply log off for a spell, trust.
6. Listen to Black women.
Source:Getty
Hey, if Michelle Obama can skip the inauguration, so can you.
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With a new strain of norovirus afflicting more people nationwide, we take a look at its effects and how to prevent yourself from it.
The viral stomach bug commonly known as norovirus is raging, as the Centers for Disease Control published its findings about the wave of cases Monday (Jan. 13). In tests performed over the New Year’s holiday nationwide, 28% came back positive, which is double the result for the number of tests for the virus that were performed last March. In New York City alone, 1,264 cases were reported in December – less than 500 cases were reported to the city’s Department of Health in the last two years. Cases have notably been higher in the Northeast and Midwest regions, according to sewer sampling reports from WaterWasteSCAN.
Experts cite a new strain, GII.17, which has demonstrated an ability to evade immunity, as part of what’s fueling this rise. Seven out of 10 cases are currently linked to it, per the CDC. The virus can be spread through contact with someone else who’s infected or through eating contaminated food or touching contaminated surfaces. Norovirus normally surges during the winter, and those who are afflicted with it are contagious for up to two weeks afterward.
For those who come down with norovirus, more often than not they wouldn’t need professional medical attention unless they have a high fever, severe abdominal pain that lasts more than three days, and feeling as if they’ll lose consciousness. Treatment includes constant hydration, especially for at-risk segments of the population. “That’s especially true for young kids and elderly people because in those people, fluid shifts and dehydration can be a lot more dangerous than for a 30-year-old with no medical problems,” said NYU Langone Health gastroenterologist Dr. Rabia De Latour when interviewed.
According to Dr. Jessica Justman, an epidemiologist at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, those working in environments where it can be more prevalent should be extra cautious. The CDC has recommended a solution of bleach and water to disinfect surfaces along with soap and hot water. They also recommend thoroughly washing one’s hands with soap and water and avoiding eating raw shellfish such as oysters in addition to thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables.