Money Moves: Beyonce, Issa Rae, & Other Celebs Who Are In Their Bag So Far In 2020
When you rolled out of bed this morning and headed to your respective places of work, did you consider that you have everything you need to be successful?
It's 2020 and we're investing, paying off debt, and generating multiple streams of income all 2020, sis, and there's no time for excuses. No matter what your financial situation may be, there will always be a bag to secure if you're ambitious, innovative, and know your sh*t.
Just look at celebrities like Beyoncé, who took a deep dive into the athletic wear industry and sold out in 24 hours, or Issa Rae who leveraged her love for music into a lucrative money move—there's always money to be made (and spent) so it's important that you take it and invest in your future (not waste it).
From acquiring new companies to signing joint partnership deals, these celebrities have been in their bag this year.
Here's all the inspiration you need to do CPR on your vision and get your finances all the way together:
Beyonce
Yeah, Beyoncé's in her bag but she's in our bag too—or whatever Meg Thee Stallion said. Last week, Queen Bey announced the release of her joint collection with Adidas and the internet went crazy.
Ahead of the IVY PARK x Adidas debut, in a major marketing move, Bey sent care packages to some of our favorite celebs—including but not limited to Yara Shahidi, Alicia Keys, and Janelle Monae—and ultimately sold out of every product (except two very fly logo belts) in one day.
Along with her latest venture with the athletic wear brand, Variety also reported that Beyonce recently signed a deal with Sony/ATV—the largest publisher in the world.
Issa Rae
Issa Rae finally came through with a teaser and a release date the fourth season of Insecure, but the HBO series is only one of the many projects that Issa has in the works currently.
Along with the debut of The Photograph and Love Birds in theaters this year, Issa Rae has also been intentional about building her presence in the music industry. Last month, Issa Rae announced her co-ownership of a coffee shop in Inglewood and this week, a report revealed that the multifaceted maven recently acquired the music supervision firm, Bonfire, whose credits include The Get Down, Godfather of Harlem, and Wu-Tang: An American Saga.
K. Michelle
If you're in Atlanta this Saturday or any Saturday in the near future, make sure to pull up at one of the newest lounges on Cascade for fiery drinks, southern-cooked meals, and even a celebrity sighting or two.
A collaboration between K. Michelle, who owns Puff & Petals, and Atlanta restaurateur, Shema Fulton, Puff meets petal is a one-of-a-kind pop-up dining experience at Parc Garden. Shema, who originally lost her restaurant in a fire, teamed up with K after the singer temporarily closed down her restaurant to search for a new venue and the rest is history. K told Atlanta Black Star:
"A lot of times when you get in business with someone you find out they're not up to par. She's easy to work with and she [Fulton] knows what she's doing. It was a no-brainer. It just made sense."
Taraji P. Henson
As years of playing Cookie Lyon are soon coming to an end, Taraji P. Henson is on a mission to build an empire of her own. Earlier this month, the 49-year-old actress dropped her new haircare line at Target that promises to put an end to our frail follicle woes.
Designed specifically for protective styles, Taraji's latest brand was crafted with Black women in mind and is sure to get all our coins. In addition to her newly launched company, Taraji will also help secure a bag for Girls Who Code during her Super Bowl commercial.
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Taylor "Pretty" Honore is a spiritually centered and equally provocative rapper from Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a love for people and storytelling. You can probably find me planting herbs in your local community garden, blasting "Back That Thang Up" from my mini speaker. Let's get to know each other: @prettyhonore.
This post is in partnership with BET+.
Kingdom Business is back for its second season, with even more sermons, songs, and serpents. The series picks up where it left off, with actress Serayah as Rbel caught between the stripper pole and the pulpit. With the first lady of the church working desperately against her, Rbel must find a way to live her dreams and honor her friend while figuring out her faith in the process.
Season one served a collection plate of rivalry, deceit, and revenge –– among many other tribulations. Between the 28-year-old’s acting, conviction, and harmonious voice, here are a few reasons why season two of Kingdom Business is a must-watch.
If the Spirit Doesn’t Move You, Serayah’s Singing Voice Will
Rbel, formally known as Rebecca Belle, is a stripper whose life forcibly takes a turn after suffering a tragedy. Through her quest to find the truth, Rbel finds herself at odds with the head of a local church, First Kingdom’s Denita Jordan, played by the legendary Yolanda Adams. Rbel unknowingly emerges as what a faithful Christian embodies: a perfectly imperfect human who works every day to try their best while leaning on God. Although struggling with her faith, each ballad sung by Rbel can be felt, as the lyrics relate to personal struggles we all endure in different ways. Gospel songs hit differently when your life is in shambles, and chile, Serayah is singing new life into folks.
Serayah is a Formidable Opponent to The Yolanda Adams
As one of the best-selling gospel artists of all time, it’s no easy task to take on the role of a person on the opposing side of greatness. Serayah’s Rbel does an excellent job meeting Jordan at her level while shining through her solos. Throughout season one, Rbel emerges as a top streaming artist, an accomplishment that begets something of a holy war.
Serayah’s Acting Range is Engaging
As a former stripper trying to make a name for herself in the gospel industry, you can imagine the struggles that could come with it. Rbel goes through a range of emotions, all understandable and relatable. Despite several crises of faith, Serayah ensures Rbel delivers a humbling performance that makes the audience root for her redemption.
The Kingdom Business Soundtrack is Everything
Streaming now on Spotify, Tidal, and Apple Music, the Kingdom Business: Season 1 soundtrack is one you’d want to add to your playlist for high and low times. Aside from four soul-soothing songs from Serayah, the soundtrack also features singles from co-star/Hamilton’s Chaundre-Hall Broomfield, gospel artist Chandler Moore, and legend Yolanda Adams.
Serayah’s Rbel Makes You Root For Her
With First Kingdom beginning to crumble under the pressure of lies, infidelity, and deception, Rbel’s window to take that top spot seems wide open; however, the end of season one showed us the Spirit had other plans. Whether you believe or not, Serayah’s Rbel makes you want to see her win. Who doesn’t love a good underdog with a laid 22” bust down? Whether she seeks Him or not, God is proving to be on Rbel’s side. But is it enough to turn everything around for her? Will Rbel lean on faith or fear?
With secrets coming to light, success within reach, and the devastating conclusion of season one, you don’t want to miss season two––especially with more guest collaborations. Kingdom Business returns to BET+ on Nov 2.
BET+ Original | Kingdom Business | S2 Official Traileryoutu.be
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Nia Long On Her Final Decision To Leave Ime Udoka: 'Loving Myself Was Bigger And More Important Than Saving Anybody'
Jeezy has been pulling out all the stops for the promo of his new album I Might Forgive…But I Don’t Forget. The iconic rapper tapped legendary actress Nia Long for an intimate conversation about love, trauma, and the Black family. The discussion provided insight into the “All There” rapper’s childhood, strained relationship with his mother, who has since passed, and his career mishaps. He also briefly spoke on his decision to file for divorce from Jeannie Mai, saying that he feels “saddened,” “disappointed,” and “uneasy” about it. However, he believes that God is leading him on a different path.
Throughout the conversation, Nia also opened up about her life experiences, including her relationship with her father, her sons, and her ex-fiancé Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka.
“You know I had a really public breakup recently. It was a wake-up call for me in the sense that, like ok, you’re gonna do this on your own, and you’re gonna be fine, and you’re not gonna worry about what anyone thinks and has to say ‘cause the relationship was rocky for a very long time,” she said. “I don’t believe that another person can break anyone up like, I just don’t buy that.
When Ime was the Boston Celtics head coach, he was caught having an affair with a staffer and was suspended for the 2022-2023 season. This suspension ultimately led to his firing. However, the cheating scandal led to the public rallying behind The Best Man actress, which the mother of two revealed she was “shocked” by.
“I had to realize for myself that anything that happened in the…last year and a half of my life, that shit didn’t have nothing to do with me,” she expressed. “It didn’t have nothing to do with me. I was not embarrassed. The way that Black people stood up for me and the way that Black women were like, ‘Oh no, you don’t do that to her,’ I was shocked because I didn’t realize that what I had done or what I’ve done in my career had so much impact.”
While she did admit that things between her and Ime had been “rocky” for a long time, she was trying her best to make things work. But she soon learned that choosing herself was the best option. “I think my older son saw me trying to keep the family together, but I had to come to a place where loving myself was bigger and more important than saving anybody.”
While time has passed and both parties have seemed to move on with their lives, we all have our down days. Jeezy checked in with Nia to see how she’s truly feeling since the breakup and the scandal that followed. “I think I’m exactly where I need to be, which is some days I’m like totally good, and other days I’m like, oh God, this feels like so much work. And other days, it feels like women shouldn’t have to be this strong,” she said, tearing up. “I don’t want to be this strong sometimes.”
The former couple were together for 13 years and share a 12-year-old son together. Nia also has a 22-year-old son from a previous relationship.
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