Joe Budden might have gone from chart-topping rapper to podcast host, but today, he’s building a business on his own terms. The 44-year-old podcaster recently gave The New York Times a rare look into the numbers behind his booming podcast network. According to Ian Schwartzman, CEO of the Joe Budden Network, the company is projected to generate more than $20 million in 2025, the outlet reports. When A Flex Turns Into A Teachable Moment In June, Budden posted a screenshot on Instagram showing his Patreon traffic — Patreon being the fan-funded platform where his most loyal supporters subscribe for exclusive content. As AFROTECH™ previously reported, the image accidentally revealed he made just over $900,000 in earnings that month, sparking headlines and internet buzz. The image showed more than 30 million visits in 30 days, per The New York Times. Budden confirmed to The New York Times that his podcast network brings in an average of $1.04 million per month through Patreon alone, based...

Don Lemon’s lawsuit against Elon Musk and his platform, X, is officially heading to trial. According to CNBC, a San Francisco judge ruled that the case accusing Musk and X of breach of contract and fraud can move forward. As AFROTECH™ previously reported, Lemon filed the suit in 2024, claiming X pulled out of a $1.5 million content deal just hours after he recorded a tense, on-camera interview with Musk. That interview was meant to launch “The Don Lemon Show” exclusively on the platform. Lemon’s team had already started production, and both parties had publicly announced the show. The journalist had also reportedly “incurred hundreds of thousands of dollars in expenses” in preparation. But before the first episode could air, X canceled the deal, sparking allegations of retaliation and broken promises. Judge Backs Don Lemon Lawsuit In Court The courtroom developments mark a major step forward for Lemon’s legal claims. Judge Harold Kahn rejected Musk’s motion to dismiss the case or...

Westbrook Inc., the entertainment studio founded by Will Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith, Miguel Melendez, and Ko Yada, is entering the anime world — and not quietly. According to a report from Variety, the company has announced a partnership with the newly formed Studio Azuki, signaling a global push that connects Hollywood storytelling with next-generation anime development. The collaboration pairs Westbrook with a new kind of anime studio, one rooted in Japanese tradition, driven by fan participation, and powered by digital culture. “…Our mission has always been to tell stories that connect, inspire, and transcend borders,” Yada, CEO of Westbrook, said via Variety. “…[Studio Azuki’s] creative vision and cultural insight align seamlessly with our global strategy.” Studio Azuki is a joint venture formed by digital-native brand Azuki, manga publisher Comisma Inc., and animation house Xenotoon Inc. Each brings something different to the table. Azuki, born from an NFT project, has already...

Producers Swizz Beatz and Chris Brancato are turning it up a notch with their collaboration. Launching Media Company Baller Alert reports Swizz Beatz has worked on the theme songs for Brancato’s television shows “Godfather of Harlem” and “Hotel Cocaine,” and is currently a consulting producer for Brancato’s eight-episode Irish crime drama series, “The Westies,” with production beginning in July 2025. Now, the pair are taking their creative works to new heights. They will be launching a media company, which has not been named, with a focus on developing material for TV, film, and podcasts. “We’ve found a creative rhythm that feels rare,” Brancato, the creator of “Narcos,” explained, according to Variety. Swizz Beatz commented: “Moving into producing and creating new shows with [Brancato] felt incredibly natural and organic. That’s our vibe, our inclusive chemistry, fueling and driving each other to spark fresh creative ideas.” The songwriter’s latest creative venture comes a year...

Skai Jackson is an American actress, author, and social media influencer who rose to fame at a young age. Best known for her role as Zuri Ross on the Disney Channel sitcom “ Jessie ,” she has evolved into a multi-talented entertainer with a growing presence in acting, writing, and digital media. Beyond her early acting success , Jackson has diversified her career with brand partnerships, entrepreneurial ventures, and activism, making her one of the most prominent young celebrities today. Let’s explore her career trajectory, sources of income, and estimated net worth in 2025. Early Life And Career Beginnings Born on April 8, 2002, in New York City , Jackson started her career as a child model, appearing in commercials for major brands. Her natural talent and charisma quickly caught the attention of casting directors, leading to minor roles on television shows. Her big break came in 2011 when she was cast as Zuri Ross in “Jessie,” a Disney Channel series that ran until 2015. “Jessie”...

Damon Wayans is a renowned American comedian, actor, writer, and producer whose career has spanned more than three decades. From his early days in stand-up comedy to becoming a key player in iconic television shows and films, Wayans has left a lasting mark on the entertainment industry. A member of the famous Wayans family, Damon has carved his own path through his unique blend of humor, social commentary, and acting talent . That recipe for success has built Wayans an empire, leaving many wondering what his estimated net worth is in 2025. Early Life And Career Beginnings Damon Kyle Wayans Sr. was born on September 4, 1960, in New York City . Growing up in a family deeply rooted in comedy and entertainment, Damon was surrounded by creativity from a young age. His older brothers, Keenen Ivory Wayans and Shawn Wayans, were influential figures in comedy, and this environment nurtured Damon’s passion for performance. He started his career in the 1980s as a stand-up comedian , quickly...

Allen Media Group (AMG) CEO Byron Allen has long been a formidable presence in the entertainment industry, but his recent legal victory against McDonald’s has thrust him into the spotlight once again.  Thanks to the settlement, Allen’s already considerable wealth is sure to reach new heights. The media mogul previously filed a discrimination lawsuit against McDonald’s for $10 billion. While the final numbers of the settlement aren’t public, they could be substantial. Given the stakes, the settlement is sure to increase Byron Allen’s net worth even more. For some people, this lawsuit may have been the first time they’ve heard of Byron Allen. If so, they’re likely wondering how he amassed enough wealth, influence, and capital to sue one of the most recognizable brands in the world. However, his journey from stand-up comedian to billionaire media mogul is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and determination. Born in Detroit in 1961, Allen moved to Los Angeles at a young age and...

Shelton Jackson “Spike” Lee has made an indelible mark on the landscape of American cinema. With groundbreaking films like “ Do the Right Thing” (1989), “ Malcolm X” (1992), and “ BlacKkKlansman” (2018), Lee has provoked thought and dialogue on pressing societal issues. His directorial prowess has earned him critical acclaim, including an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for “BlacKkKlansman” in 2019. So, with all his cinematic success, what is Spike Lee’s net worth in 2025? Let’s take a look at his achievements and the numbers that have made Lee one of the most recognizable movie makers in the industry. From Atlanta Roots to Brooklyn Living Born on March 20, 1957, in Atlanta, Georgia, Shelton Jackson Lee was the eldest child of Jacqueline Carroll, an arts and literature teacher, and William James Edwards Lee III, a jazz musician and composer, per TV Insider . During Lee’s early years, the family relocated to Brooklyn, New York, settling in the Fort Greene neighborhood. It...

Acclaimed filmmaker Ryan Coogler, best known for writing and directing such smash hits as “ Black Panther ,” “Creed” and “Fruitvale Station,” has been making waves recently with his new movie “Sinners.” For those who don’t know, “Sinners” has already garnered over $70 million at the box office , despite having just released on Apr. 18. The film also had a very modest marketing push and very little studio support, making its success even more impressive. While “Sinners” has been drawing plenty of eyes from the general public, the behind-the-scenes story of Coogler’s Warner Bros deal has also enraptured creators, filmmakers and Hollywood film buffs alike. In fact, financial analysts have predicted that the “Sinners” deal could be worth millions for generations to come, while some studio insiders have expressed concern that the deal will destabilize the future of the industry if other filmmakers attempt to replicate it. In order to understand exactly what terms are established by Ryan...

Editorial Note: Opinions and thoughts are the author’s own and not those of AFROTECH™. In the 2024 presidential election , it was reported that voter turnout among Gen-Z voters dropped significantly compared to 2020. There was also a significant uptick in younger voters who supported President Donald Trump, according to the Guardian . Overall, Gen Z appears to be leaning slightly more conservative than their Millennial counterparts, a shift largely attributed to the influence of social media and its impact on shaping political perspectives. Social media’s prevalence in our daily lives has only gotten worse over the years. People now spend the majority of their time online, doom-scrolling. Younger generations are less likely to get their news from sources other than social media. They watch YouTube videos instead of regular television and don’t listen to the radio in the same way previous generations did. Videos targeted towards young men are laced with misogynistic messaging and the...

Cam Newton is taking his production company to new heights. Founded in 2012, Iconic Saga is a dynamic production company that collaborates with a wide range of clients and brands, delivering non-scripted digital content, scripted series, children’s programming, and animation, according to its LinkedIn profile. The company has worked with prominent names like Nickelodeon, Facebook, and ESPN. Per Boardroom, Newton is strategically aligning all of his creative ventures under the Saga umbrella, including his web series “Funky Friday” and “4th & 1.” “Media is at a very interesting space right now because you have people who are gaining more validation by being able to speak on certain topics, as opposed to the days where somebody can just voice their opinion and say, ‘Okay, boom. That’s the show.’ Well, in this day and age, it is being able to be authentic to what you’re talking about and how you’re talking about it. And we’re seeing more and more creatives or creators create stories,...

Despite President Donald Trump’s orders, Comcast is one of several media companies the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is investigating for allegedly promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. According to Reuters, FCC Chair Brendan Carr announced the opening of the investigation into NBC News and its parent company, Comcast, on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2025, citing “substantial evidence” that the companies continue to promote DEI. Carr noted that Comcast operates across multiple FCC-regulated sectors, including cable, high-speed internet, broadcast television stations, and wireless services. “The FCC will be taking fresh action to ensure that every entity the FCC regulates complies with the civil rights protections enshrined in the Communications Act… including by shutting down any programs that promote invidious forms of DEI discrimination,” the letter to Comcast CEO Brian Roberts read, per Reuters. The FCC is also reviewing whether a “60 Minutes” interview with...

Over 123 million people worldwide tuned into Super Bowl LIX this year to see the Kansas City Chiefs face off against the Philadelphia Eagles . Whether you watched from a sports bar, from your couch or from the seats at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, you likely encountered a number of highlights from the game itself, the electrifying halftime performance and the hilarious array of eye-popping ads. It’s long been known that the big game is the premiere advertising event of the year, as brands across the nation have a chance to place their product or service in front of millions of viewers from all over the globe. Many major companies utilize their Super Bowl ad space to launch brand new products, high-ticket expansions or comedic pop culture zingers designed to be dissected by the water cooler the following week. But how much are these companies really paying out to get their ads out there? It seems as though each Super Bowl carries an exponential price tag for air time, even...

In a move that has sparked considerable debate, PBS announced the closure of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) office, citing compliance with executive orders issued by President Donald Trump. According to Deadline, the decision was confirmed through a memo from PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger, marking a significant rollback of the organization’s DEI efforts — a trend increasingly observed across public and private sectors as political pressures increase. A Sudden Shift In Strategy As reported by The New York Times reporter Ben Mullin via X (formerly Twitter), the memo revealed that PBS’s DEI office would be shuttered and that key leaders Cecilia Loving, senior vice president of DEI, and Gina Leow, director of DEI, would be departing the organization. Kerger noted, “To ensure that we are complying with the president’s executive order, we have closed our DEI office, and Cecilia Loving and Gina Leow are leaving PBS.” Adding to the dissonance is the fact that this...

South African billionaire Elon Musk is known for his desire to swallow up companies and rebrand them with his own trendy vision. The Tesla CEO previously used his familial wealth to purchase stakes in such businesses as PayPal, SpaceX and of course, X (formerly Twitter). Now, according to official statements made by the Trump administration cabinet pick, the emerald mine profiteer is considering buying the rights to Vine, a defunct app which predates TikTok . This would be a major development in the world of social media, since the latter is still potentially facing a long-term ban within the United States, unless the app’s parent company ByteDance can agree to divest to American financial interests. When prompted by a fellow X user about bringing Vine back into the fray to fill in the power vacuum left by TikTok, Musk simply responded, “We’re looking into it.” So, now seems like as good a time as any to examine what Vine is (or was), how Elon could bring it back to compete with...