This Week in Good Black News: Latto Makes Atlanta Rap History, Gunna Fights Economic Inequality in South Fulton, and Sexyy Red Shows Support to a Fellow Rapper
This week in good Black news, Atlanta’s own Latto continues to make waves, becoming the first solo female rapper from her city to top the charts, solidifying Atlanta's powerhouse status in hip-hop. Over in South Fulton, Georgia, fellow hometown hero, Gunna joins forces with the Black Music Action Coalition, investing half a million dollars to tackle economic inequality in his community.
Elsewhere, Sexyy Red took a moment to reach out to Kodak Black, offering some much-needed support after the “ZeZe” rapper shared his feelings of loneliness.
And in a heartwarming turn, Ashanti and Nelly's love story reached a new milestone as they welcomed their first child together. Keep reading for these stories and more this week in good Black news.
Gunna and Black Music Action Coalition Join Forces to Invest $500K in Combating Economic Inequality
Gunna has partnered with the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) to launch a $500,000 initiative to address economic disparities in South Fulton, GA.
The Gunna x BMAC 30349 Guaranteed Income Program will provide 30 families in the area’s 30349 zip code with a monthly stipend of $1,000. Gunna and BMAC will collaborate with city officials, including South Fulton Mayor Khalid Kamau, and local organizations to select the recipients. The program will launch officially on September 18.
Sexyy Red Shares Supportive Message to Kodak Black
Earlier this week, Kodak Black got vulnerable, taking to Instagram Story where he confessed, “Nobody give af about me,” leaving fans worried. Enter Sexyy Red, who wouldn’t let Yak sit in his feelings.
In a clip caught by Livebitez, she responded with a fiery pep talk and a bold invite, saying, “It’s OK… We finna go on tour… You gone thug with me, OK? We both got some money… I’ma turn you up.” She’s making sure Kodak gets back in his bag and leaves the loneliness behind.
Ashanti and Nelly Welcome Baby Boy
Ashanti and Nelly welcomed their first child, Kareem Kenkaide Haynes, on July 18, 2024.
The “Happy” singer shared the joyful news on Instagram, reflecting on the unexpected journey to motherhood: "Funny how life’s plans aren’t…always on time.. lol. I’ve been waiting to be a mom for a long time now but nothing could prepare me for EVERYTHING motherhood brings!" She added, "Four weeks postpartum, you have no idea, what this body can do."
The couple, who married on December 27, 2023, announced their pregnancy on April 17, 2024.
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Denzel Washington and Sons Malcolm and John David Join Forces for New Film
The trailer for “The Piano Lesson,” directed and co-written by Malcolm Washington, offers a glimpse into August Wilson's acclaimed play. The stellar cast includes John David Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, and Danielle Deadwyler.
The film focuses on a family's discord over a valuable heirloom piano, as the synopsis describes: "A battle is brewing in the Charles Household. At the center stands a prized heirloom piano, tearing two siblings apart." Oscar nominee Todd Black and Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington co-produced the project, which will stream on Netflix starting November 22 and has limited theater showings.
Latto Makes History
Latto has stamped her name in history as the first solo female rapper from Atlanta to dominate Billboard’s Top Rap Albums chart with her latest release, Sugar Honey Iced Tea.
At just 25, she’s also made waves by debuting at no. 15 on Billboard’s 200 Chart, making her the second female rapper to earn both milestones this year.
The 22-track album, which dropped on August 9, boasts star-studded collaborations with Megan Thee Stallion, Coco Jones, Cardi B, and more.
