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Philadelphia 76ers Joel Embiid and Skechers could rock the basketball sneaker world

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Joel Embiid returned to the court last week and led his Philadelphia 76ers to a victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. The momentous occasion marked Embiid’s first game since knee surgery that left him with a meniscus injury in late January. While his performance was nothing wanting spectacular, the highlight was on the seven-time All-Star Center’s shoes.

After months of speculation, Embiid returned in uniform Skechers SKX float in white, black and orange colours. After the contract with Under Armor expires Athlete reported on a possible Embiid/Skechers partnership in October 2023. On Tuesday, the footwear industry reporter Nick DePaula reported that the league’s reigning MVP has reportedly signed a multi-year cope with the Los Angeles-based company to be the face of its basketball division together with New York Knicks forward Julius Randle and LA Clippers shooting guard Terance Mann. Skechers could not be reached for comment on a possible cope with Embiid or his plans.

There isn’t any officially stated reason why Embiid left Under Armor after five years. It was reported that the longtime Sixer was dissatisfied along with his promotion and position inside the brand. During his profession with the Baltimore-based company, he won the NBA MVP award in the 2022-2023 season. The brand’s most notable commercial during this series was ad aired before the start of the 2022 season. By comparison, brands like Nike release ads relatively quickly after one in every of their athletes makes history. Nike produced Debate on this topic commercial after Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant won the 2017 NBA Finals MVP award. Embiid never looked as if it would get the highlight that a player of his stature normally earns.

Center Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers will play against the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 2 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.

David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images

Many people view Skechers as a way of life brand aimed toward young children, middle-aged and older people, slightly than a brand that could compete in the lively sports market. However, Skechers reported record sales of $8 billion in 2023, which suggests a year-on-year sales increase of seven.7%. Those earnings leave it far behind industry giants like Nike ($52 billion) and Adidas ($23 billion). Skechers is in the same range as Puma ($9 billion) and Under Armor ($5.9 billion).

By acquiring Embiid, Skechers also continues the trend of a brand attractive to the recent generation. Business executive Martha Stewart and rapper Snoop Dogg recently endorsed and landed the brand Super Bowl ad. The company has also signed former Premier League star and England captain Harry Kane as the face of its football division. It’s clear that even when Skechers doesn’t have the coolness of Nike or Adidas, the money is there. This money flow allows it to compete with established brands, and the company seems willing to innovate greater than others.

From Embiid’s standpoint, this announced transaction is a likelihood for him to turn into the face of the company. He has at all times been number 2 at Under Armor, behind Stephen Curry. Embiid only had one signature shoe, the Embiid One. Curry had multiple pairs of his signature line, began his own brand, Curry Brand, and expanded his product lineup to incorporate golf apparel and more.

Embiid and Skechers could do something similar in the event that they resolve to go on this direction.

Sneakers worn by Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers during the game against Miami Heat on April 4 at the Kaseya Center in Miami.

Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images

Looking at Skechers current basketball offersIt is protected to assume that Embiid’s signature shoes will almost definitely appear and can be available in an analogous price range. Couple that with a primary opportunity to “dismantle” or a less expensive model of Embiid’s signature shoe, and it is a win for all parties.

One of the key aspects and a possible reason for Embiid’s decision is the access that the Skechers brand has. Skechers is on its strategy to own stores and is accessible at most major retailers reminiscent of Academy Sports, Rack Room Shoes and Shoe Station. While other well-known brands can often be present in the same stores, there are often only a couple of models and often no awning name attached. However, Skechers has a powerful presence in these stores, especially in kid’s shoes.

Embiid could lace up future Skechers basketball models that might hit such stores. Imagine if Embiid dropped 50 points in a key playoff game while wearing a pair of Skechers shoes that could be had for around $100 or less and were available at a shoe store or Rack Room sneaker shop. This would give a baby who admires Embiid a likelihood to wear the very same shoe he wears, and allow a parent to buy a solid shoe at an inexpensive price.

Center Joel Embiid (left) and guard Kyle Lowry (right) of the Philadelphia 76ers react during the third quarter of their game against the Miami Heat at the Kaseya Center on April 4 in Miami.

Megan Briggs/Getty Images

While the reported Embiid-Skechers deal is critical, it also shows that times have modified for athletes trying to sign with one in every of the top three shoe brands. Nike, Adidas and Jordan Brand used to have solid lineups that usually featured brand names and top NBA players. When you have a look at the top NBA players today, you will see that they are represented by a large number of brands, from Puma to Converse to New Balance to Chinese brands like Li-Ning, Anta, and 361 degrees. Names related to these brands include NBA champions reminiscent of Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Kyrie Irving.

A big a part of a lot of these deals is that the Big Three once signed these marquees. Irving and Jokić each signed with Nike in some unspecified time in the future during their careers before deciding to work with Chinese brands. Jokić left Nike in December 2023 after winning the NBA Finals and joined 361 Degrees as a signature athlete along with his own shoe and became a worldwide brand ambassador. Irving’s cope with Anta entrusted him with the position of creative director. Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade was once the face of Converse and Jordan Brand before joining Li-Ning. He transformed the Way of Wade brand into one in every of hottest Chinese brands On the court.

With Embiid reportedly joining an analogous brand at Skechers, it shows that what was once a market with only a couple of options for a major sponsorship deal is now wide open. When athletes are considering where to sign, they are not just searching for signature shoes or exclusive player editions. Players are searching for greater advantages, reminiscent of fractional ownership, and how these deals will help them in the long term. People talk less and less about the shoe company and more about the player and his brand.

Time will tell what is going to come of the reports about Embiid and Skechers’ relationship. But if what Curry has with Under Armor or what Irving is constructing with Anta is any indication, Skechers and Embiid will certainly deliver a really unique signature shoe and experience worthy of a player of Embiid’s stature.


This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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Fans are worried Harrison Ford’s health is at risk as the ‘Indiana Jones’ star appears to be struggling with simple tasks

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Oscar nominee Harrison Ford was officially announced as a Disney Legend at D23 Expo last month.

During the Disney Legends event, Ford received a Hall of Fame-style award from the Walt Disney Company, solidifying his place amongst the studio’s most iconic actors. With over 80 movies and tv projects Thanks to his role as Han Solo in “Star Wars” and Indiana Jones in the film of the same name, he became known for generations.

To rejoice his profession, Ford placed his hands in cement, a moment that was each celebration and concern. At 82, Ford is undoubtedly showing signs of aging, and fans couldn’t help but notice that he seemed to have difficulty signing an autograph.

Fans fear their screen idol Harrison Ford may be ill after footage shows him looking weak at an awards ceremony. (Photo: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)
Fans fear their screen idol Harrison Ford may be unwell after footage shows him looking weak at an awards ceremony. (Photo: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

The video of the ceremony was published on Good Morning America’s Instagram page, where fans expressed mixed reactions. While many were thrilled to see the actor honored and commented on how he loved entertaining crowds, others expressed concerns about his health, noting that he looked weaker than he ever did in his prime.

“Makes me smile…his face when guys start pushing on his hands. He’s too cute,” one fan said, laughing at Ford’s facial features during the ceremony.

But not everyone found the moment entirely carefree.

“He doesn’t look good,” someone commented, while one other added: “Congratulations to him, but it breaks my heart to see him so weak.”

A 3rd fan simply noted: “Man, he’s getting old.”

However, some fans downplayed those concerns and saw the iconic character they’ve at all times known, with one commenter writing, “The Force is strong on this one,” and adding, “Congrats!”

Another said: “Protect this man at all costs.”

Despite concerns from online fans about his health, Disney CEO Bob Iger took the stage at the event to shower Ford with praise.

“Before he was the captain of the Millennium Falcon or a globetrotting archaeologist, Harrison Ford was, like many others, an aspiring actor who came to Hollywood to pursue his dreams,” Iger said to thunderous applause. According to to Variety. “He is the definition of a leading man who is unique in his own category.”

The crowd gave Ford a standing ovation as he graciously accepted the honor.

He responded with heartfelt gratitude, telling the audience, “I love you too. I love the life you’ve given me. I love the people I’ve had the opportunity to work with. Nobody does anything in this business for long. We work in partnership, no matter who we are or what we do.”

Looking ahead, Ford won’t reprise his role as Indiana Jones in the upcoming remake of the classic franchise.

After 42 years of playing Dr. Henry “Indiana” Jones, Ford has decided to step away. He wasn’t forced out of the series due to his age, as some thought. He was simply ready to move on and leave his role, Inside the Magic reports.

Lucasfilm/Disney continues to press ahead with plans to keep the franchise alive, and Ford fully supports his successor.

Interestingly, the studio retains the rights to Ford’s image and likeness, rights that are expected to play a significant role in the franchise’s future, similar to Disney’s use of technology for one more Lucasfilm legend, James Earl Jones.

Disney was able to recreate Jones’ voice for brand spanking new “Star Wars” projects using artificial intelligence, combined with old recordings of his voice to proceed the legacy of Darth Vader in productions like the “Obi-Wan Kenobi” Disney+ series.

While it is unclear whether Disney will employ methods similar to those utilized by Ford in utilizing his image and voice, the technology is available and his legacy will likely continue to exist in future projects.

For now, Ford is still working and keeping busy. He just wrapped a brand new project, Captain America: Brave New World, by which he plays Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, aka Red Hulk.

While fans may be concerned about Harrison Ford’s health, he shows no signs of slowing down as he continues to construct on his legendary profession.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Ne-Yo’s family drama explodes as shocking sex parties and molestation allegations by son’s mother surface

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Old footage of singer Ne-Yo being called

Disgraced music executive Sean “Diddy” Combs now faces three charges of conspiracy to commit extortion, human trafficking and transportation for the aim of prostitution. A wave of accusations has emerged following his arrest, with several high-profile figures implicated within the “bizarre” allegations surrounding the Bad Boy founder.

Along with these accusations, the names of other famous individuals who have collaborated or partied with the Bad Boy founder are entering the discussion.

One example, According to to The Jasmine Brand is Dawn Richard, a former member of Danity Kane, who recently filed her own lawsuit against Combs. Richard claims that Usher, Ne-Yo and Jimmy Iovine were present at a business dinner in 2009 and witnessed the “Nasty Girl” rapper punch Cassie Ventura.

This followed the discharge of surveillance footage mentioned in Ventura’s lawsuit, which shows Combs physically assaulting her in a hotel hallway.

Old footage of singer Ne-Yo, who goes by “Diddy Jr.”, getting “Freak Offs” from his ex Sade Bagnerise, has resurfaced. (Photos: @neyo/Instagram)
An old video has resurfaced of singer Ne-Yo being called “Diddy Jr.” and getting “Freak Offs” from his ex-girlfriend Sade Bagnerise. (Photos: @neyo/Instagram)

Now, as if so as to add insult to injury to Richard’s accusations, a video has resurfaced of former lover Sade Bagnerise slamming Ne-Yo for “getting high,” “throwing his body at her,” and imitating the identical perverted and possibly illegal behavior that has now landed Combs behind bars.

Bagnerise, who has two sons with Ne-Yo, called him “Diddy Jr.” in an Instagram Live video from April this yr, accusing him of organizing “freak outings” and bringing “prostitutes” to go to his children. “Tell them about the freak out, Diddy Jr.,” she said.

She then continued and accused him of abuse. “You know what you did. You threw me on the floor with your body. Tell them who you really are and why we are here today?”

“Fuck, you like having hoes and drugs and weed and booze and mushrooms and prostitutes in your house when his kids are here,” she continued, attacking the “So Sick” singer, who asked her why she was so vocal in regards to the matter.

Bagnerise said she asked him to not bring the lady and “even came here to help him with the damn kids because he doesn’t want to take care of them.”

When the neighborhood talks republished In the video, fans expressed their dissatisfaction by making fun of the singer.

“Neyo is sick of love songs,” one person joked, while one other added, “Baby oil was for everyone,” referring to the 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricants seized by the FBI from one in every of Combs’ properties and utilized in the case against him.

Continuing the joke, “Basically the ENTIRE INDUSTRY was privy to this baby oil saga.”

Another rationalized, “That’s why Kendrick is in the Super Bowl. Everyone else is going to jail.”

Many thought the identical thing, with one saying, “THESE CELEBRITIES HAVE BEEN SO SILENT ALL WEEK,” and one other complaining, “We won’t have ANY new music when they’re done with this.”

Combs has been related to nearly every chart-topping artist within the music industry, either as a producer, label boss or friend.

Throughout his illustrious profession, he has won quite a few accolades, including three Grammy Awards and a BET Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his contributions to music and entertainment.

As the founding father of Bad Boy Records, the “All About the Benjamins” artist played a pivotal role in shaping hip-hop and R&B, launching the careers of legendary artists like The Notorious B.I.G., Faith Evans, The Lox and Ma$e. His influence prolonged beyond the record label, as he collaborated with stars like Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey and Usher, and mentored a brand new generation of talent including French Montana and Machine Gun Kelly.

Diddy’s ventures into fashion, along with his Sean John clothing line, and spirits, along with his partnership in Cîroc vodka, have further solidified his status as a multifaceted businessman. His influence on culture is immeasurable, inspiring artists and entrepreneurs alike.

As the fallout continues, many are distancing themselves from Combs. New York City Mayor Eric Adams has required that Combs will return the important thing to town he received in 2023.

Howard University is cutting ties with Sean “Diddy” Combs, revoking the honorary degree it awarded him in 2014 and eliminating the scholarship program that bears his name. In an announcement, the university confirmed that its board voted unanimously to revoke the degree because reported by Associated Press.

Ne-Yo, whose real name is Shaffer Chimere Smith, was named in Richard’s lawsuit only as a witness to Ventura’s assault, but Combs’ accusers haven’t accused him of any wrongdoing.

It’s unclear whether he’ll be called to testify against Diddy. As one Instagram user noted, it’s clear that the celebrities who love being within the highlight essentially the most, telling the world about their foray into polyamory and promoting their music, have been very quiet.

The singer-songwriter hasn’t taken a single step beyond promoting his latest “Champagne and Roses” tour.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Ice Cube Responds to Candace Owens’ Explosive ‘Gangsta Rap’ Accusations, Fans Are Divided

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Who created gangsta rap? According to conservative commentator Candace Owens, the federal government is behind the creation of gangsta rap, a genre born out of the tough realities of black and brown communities in California within the Nineteen Eighties and Nineties. She believes it was a part of a deliberate effort by federal agents to undermine black culture and values. But one in every of its founders blames the industry and personal prisons.

Are any of the choices incorrect?

The debate heated up on Platform X on Friday, September 20, after Owens tweeted, “Gangster rap was never black culture. It was created by the FBI who pitched deals to gay black men in prison, then turned them into fake celebrities.”

She continued: “The goal was to create false idols to destroy the values ​​of black Americans. I will never change my mind on that.”

Owens’ controversial post quickly caught the eye of fans, one in every of whom tagged NWA founder Ice Cube, one of the outstanding pioneers of gangsta rap.

In response, Ice Cube, widely considered one in every of the founding fathers of the genre, explained the matter: “We called it Reality Rap. The industry called it Gangsta Rap. The fans wanted gangsta rap and that’s what they got. The FBI didn’t write any of my shit. I’m a real MC.”

His response led some observers to conclude that Cube didn’t completely reject Owens’ argument, leaving open the likelihood that it was true.

One commenter he wrote“So he’s not saying Candace is wrong, but Cube has always been cautious.”

Another pointed one outside“Cube mentioned industry, not federal government.”

The debate points to a bigger conspiracy theory that record labels and the prison-industrial complex are linked, which the rapper has been promoting.

Perhaps fans saw through Cube’s rigorously crafted statement that he, too, believes in a conspiracy that forces at work that allowed gangsta rap to dominate the music scene for a few decade between 1988 and 1998.

User X commented on Owens’ post and common a 2023 excerpt from the “Club Random with Bill Maher” podcast, through which he says that “the same people who are on the labels own the prisons.”

However, the clip doesn’t show your entire conversation, through which he later says, “They don’t really run the label, they have financial interests” in each the music industry and the prison-industrial complex.

Maher helped the “Friday” filmmaker expand on his theory, saying, “If they have a financial interest in prisons, and your theory, if I understand correctly, is that these types of rap lyrics act as a funnel through which people are inspired to do things that could get them sent to prison… like writing a lyric like ‘fuck the police,’ could get someone arrested and sent to prison.”

“This could get someone arrested and sent to jail,” the artist said, making it clear that the host was referring to his 1988 song “F-ck tha Police.” “That’s just one example, one album that the record company didn’t manipulate, you know. That’s pure artistry.”

Ice Cube attacks Candace Owens, saying FEDS created gangsta rap (Photos: Quinn Harris/Getty Images for BIG3; Candaceowens/YouTube)
Ice Cube attacks Candace Owens, saying FEDS created gangsta rap (Photos: Quinn Harris/Getty Images for BIG3; Candaceowens/YouTube)

When asked if he had ever been manipulated by a record label, he replied “no,” explaining that he had all the time been an independent artist and had never had an art director suggesting he create certain kinds of songs.

“I wouldn’t let an A&R come into my studio,” he said, adding, “I’ve never had anyone be an A&R except Dr. Dre.”

According to cultural critic Davey D and the activist group Hip-Hop For Change, three firms — Warner Records, Universal Music Group and Sony Music Group — control 90 percent hip-hop music. Meanwhile, private prison firms like CoreCivic and GEO Group control nearly all of private prison beds within the U.S. The writer and the organization claimed that the 2 sectors share common shareholders, similar to Vanguard and BlackRock.

But they were partly improper.

In 2019, CNN reported that Vanguard and BlackRock are amongst the most important investors in private prisons.

However, According to to Vanguard and BlackRock, although these firms have stakes in over 500 firms, including major entertainment players similar to Disney, Live Nation and Fox, they didn’t put money into any of the three largest music distribution and recording firms in 2021.

There isn’t any evidence that the FBI created “gangsta rap,” as Owens claims. But conspiracy theories about government involvement within the genre gained traction following an investigation into the CIA’s role in facilitating cocaine sales to Los Angeles street gangs within the late Nineteen Eighties.

The proceeds from these drug sales were allegedly used to fund the Latin American guerrilla army in Nicaragua, often called the Contras, through the Iran-Iraq War, reported by the Justice Department. The complex scheme also involved illegal U.S. arms sales to Iran during that country’s eight-year cooperation with Iraq within the Nineteen Eighties, sales from which the CIA used to finance the Contras’ fight against the Nicaraguan government. The theory was developed after the San Jose Mercury News published articles alleging that the federal government was deliberately smuggling crack cocaine into black neighborhoods.

While a later investigation found that these reports exaggerated the facts, it acknowledged the uncertainties within the case. The government report noted that suspicions would remain due to unanswered questions.

Gangsta rap, which emerged through the crack epidemic, became a type of expression that directly addressed the devastation that drugs and law enforcement were inflicting on black communities.

Many imagine that the event of gangsta rap was influenced by outside forces aimed toward glorifying crime and perpetuating the cycle of incarceration.

The query is, who’re these forces really, and is, because the “Good Day” rapper claims, gangsta rap (or reality rap) a mirrored image of the tough realities he has experienced or a creation of federal or industrial manipulation?


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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